How is theological education relevant to the mission of the Church? The Church in all of its dimensions is missional, and therefore theology, in all of its dimensions, is also missional.

We need to make a shift from traditional missionary theology to mission-centered theological education. This integration of mission into theology and then into theological education is not just a pragmatic matter but is deeply rooted in the mission of God and the mission of the Church.  

Theological education is the formal academic study and training of individuals in the field of theology and the principles and practices of faith. Its primary purpose is to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and spiritual formation to serve in ministry. 

In practical terms, all theological subjects should have a missional dimension and should be constantly challenged by the discipline of missiology. Mission-centered theological education shouldn’t be confined only to curriculum but should encompass what theological students are doing outside the classroom and in their communities.  

Rethinking Traditional Seminary

The traditional seminary model present in industrialized, wealthy nations is not viable for the majority of churchgoers around the world. This is partly due to its emphasis on academic achievement over practical ministry. While these frameworks may have worked — and may continue to work — for a particular time and place, they fail to meet the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Church in many parts of the world today. 

Traditional models of seminary often require significant time and funding resources for full-time training. In countries with tremendous church growth, this model may not be able to sustain the church’s growth, and in areas where the church’s growth is lagging, seminaries are suffering, because they’re not enrolling an adequate number of students for institutional viability.  

This does not mean abandoning theological education, but rather rethinking it. How can seminaries evolve to meet the needs of the Church around the world? The answer lies in shifting our understanding of theological education from a rigid, one-size-fits-all model to one that is more flexible, culturally relevant and contextualized. Seminaries must move away from the model of education that is focused exclusively on academic rigor and move toward one that emphasizes practical ministry, community engagement and leadership development. 

As Linda Cannell writes in her book, “Theological Education Matters: Leadership Education for the Church”: 

A structure formalized in the medieval period, modified to suit the theological shifts of the Reformation, influenced by the scientific methodology of the Enlightenment, shaped by the German research university, deeply affected by modernity, and assumed to define true theological education today is likely not adequate for the challenges of contemporary culture and the education of Christians who have been shaped by that culture.  

What’s Next?

Practically speaking, how can we enhance theological education in its missional task around the world? First, we must share success stories of theological education in mission, and the stories of failure.  

How can we avoid repeating mistakes from the past in missions work? We need to share perspectives from all around the world — what has worked well in equipping leaders to teach and live out the gospel in their communities and what hasn’t worked well. 

One of the greatest needs around the world is contextualized curriculum and publications to aid the Church in living out its mission. For example, in preaching, teaching and evangelizing, Christian theological education should address issues of violence, persecution, justice and just peace, especially in conflict areas. Theological education needs to include resources written for and by Majority World pastors that can deeply encourage Christians who face unique challenges. 

It is immensely encouraging to witness the growing trend among Majority World seminaries to embrace contextualized curricula. This shift marks a pivotal step in the journey of theological education, as it seeks to bridge the gap between the timeless truths of Scripture and the diverse cultural realities of today’s world.  

Moreover, a particularly significant aspect of this trend is the emergence of Majority World scholars who are engaging with theological issues through the lenses of their own cultural and historical experiences. For instance, African theologians are exploring ethical questions rooted in African traditions and societal structures, bringing a fresh perspective to global conversations on morality and justice. Similarly, Asian scholars are interpreting Old Testament narratives through distinctly Asian lenses, drawing on the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage to uncover new dimensions of biblical understanding. 

As we celebrate these advancements, it is essential to continue supporting and investing in initiatives that nurture contextualized theological education. This includes encouraging cross-cultural partnerships, providing resources for indigenous scholars, and advocating for the creation of locally relevant theological materials. To achieve these initiatives we need a genuine partnership between wealthy, industrialized nations and the Majority World. By doing so, we ensure that the gospel remains alive and impactful in every corner of the world, bearing witness to its power to transcend cultural boundaries and transform lives. 

The Church today faces new challenges that require a new kind of theological education — one that builds on the traditions of the past but is responsive to current needs. By embracing a more contextualized, practical and socially engaged approach to theological training, seminaries can equip leaders who are capable of making a significant impact on the Church and the world. 

Hear more from Riad Kassis on the importance of contextualizing the gospel Arrow