Imagining an Urban Seminary
For the last several years I have lived and ministered in the heart of two Canadian cities- first, in Vancouver, working largely in the Downtown Eastside (Canada's poorest neighborhood), and now in Winnipeg, in the (also troubled) West End community. Over the course of those years, I have had the great privilege to meet and work with amazing women and men in many churches & ministries in the inner city. Through these encounters have seen a powerful and challenging trend in the people I meet.
With few exceptions, the people who have given their lives to serve in these neighborhoods work exorbitant hours only to "bring their work home with them". Many work on seriously insufficient wages (or on inconsistent sponsorship/support) with few or no resources. While many of them serve as teachers, counselors and (very often) pastors, they are rarely given the respect or even acknowledgment of their service and authority. This is not to diminish the work of pastors or people ministering in other communities, but I have rarely seen the kind of sacrificial living exemplified elsewhere.
However, it is also these people who would most benefit from kinds of training & education that can serve to deepen the impact of the ministries they serve. When dealing daily with serious substance abuse, family dysfunction, crime, racism, etc. the need for skills in counseling are paramount. Providing spiritual formation for inner city youth, for example, is something that requires a deep understanding of theology, as does worship leadership. That being the case, the question remains:
Why do so few of them receive this much needed education?
Almost without exception, the answers coming from these workers are of a similar theme. Given the expense of education, coupled with their already insufficient income, pursuing further training from a college, university or seminary is not an option that could be done without incurring debt. As so many of us are aware, such debt requires (at the least) a moderately paying job. Beyond the money, this is a price few of these selfless heroes are willing to make. Additionally, the time required away from the ministry in order to receive this education is also too high a price to pay as well.
Again, as I participate in some of the most "in the trenches" ministries in the city, I find people who have given up all financial or job security to follow their true vocation. I am not opposed to the academy, but I am sometimes discouraged that, like the fields of law and medicine, counseling and theology students have a hard time getting a high quality education that does not take them away from the ministries that are already tragically understaffed, yet arguably most in need of counselors and pastors.
So I have dreamed of a kind of Urban Seminary that would offer affordable, relevant and quality education, offered in a manner that would allow practitioners to continue serving in their ministries. While including a broad range of subjects, emphasis on training most relevant to the context would be offered. Utilizing interactive technologies, such as blogs; donated lectures by qualified profs; an intentional network of schools, ministries, churches, etc., I envision something exciting and new.
Perhaps this is one example of a postmodern model of Seminary/Christian education, a much needed alternative to the increasingly insufficient models we have available. While I am in no way rejecting the traditional academic venues altogether, there is a deep need for new paradigms and models of spiritual and missional formation that are much more accessible. Additionally, the academic world is overdue in sufficiently acknowledging & utilizing the authority/experience of both the urban practitioners and many character based "discipleship" models used by so called "parachurch" organization.
For me, this is by no means an abstract idea, but a desperately needed change. It is something I am not only dedicated to exploring, but to make a reality. Any ideas you have to offer are more than welcome.
emerging church
Again, as I participate in some of the most "in the trenches" ministries in the city, I find people who have given up all financial or job security to follow their true vocation. I am not opposed to the academy, but I am sometimes discouraged that, like the fields of law and medicine, counseling and theology students have a hard time getting a high quality education that does not take them away from the ministries that are already tragically understaffed, yet arguably most in need of counselors and pastors.
So I have dreamed of a kind of Urban Seminary that would offer affordable, relevant and quality education, offered in a manner that would allow practitioners to continue serving in their ministries. While including a broad range of subjects, emphasis on training most relevant to the context would be offered. Utilizing interactive technologies, such as blogs; donated lectures by qualified profs; an intentional network of schools, ministries, churches, etc., I envision something exciting and new.
Perhaps this is one example of a postmodern model of Seminary/Christian education, a much needed alternative to the increasingly insufficient models we have available. While I am in no way rejecting the traditional academic venues altogether, there is a deep need for new paradigms and models of spiritual and missional formation that are much more accessible. Additionally, the academic world is overdue in sufficiently acknowledging & utilizing the authority/experience of both the urban practitioners and many character based "discipleship" models used by so called "parachurch" organization.
For me, this is by no means an abstract idea, but a desperately needed change. It is something I am not only dedicated to exploring, but to make a reality. Any ideas you have to offer are more than welcome.
emerging church
(Comment this)
However, it's going to take a group with a lot of money that would be willing, at least initially, to take a hit money-wise. But I think a group like Willow Creek (probably not a good example, but I'm from Chicago so I'll stick with it) has the resources and people to set something like this up. It really could open up wonderful opportunities, though. Good post. (Comment this)
So. . . I've been sensing some kind of a training call as part of the knox coalition/partnership, whatever. Maybe the Spirit is up to something. Be just like her to link YWAM and UC [that'd be a surprise to many in both groups] . . . I've got to admit i felt a hmmm [old word coming] 'quickening' when I read your post. U of W under Lloyd is really committed to connecting with the neighbourhood. New dean of theology there . . . hmmm let's have coffee next week if it works for you. (Comment this)
To David:
I moved to Winnipeg almost 4 years ago. Before that I was in Vancouver for 3 years or so, and loved it! Thanks for stopping by.
To The Krow & Jezreel:
As I mentioned in the blog, the disconnect caused by cost and "relevancy" (I hate the word, but I am too tired to think of a better one) is a big problem. This is why I wanted to focus on an idea, an alternative (not THE idea, of course). Glad you found resonance.
To Lukas:
I think you are right that this is going to require serious generousity from many places (though I think that finances are not the only form of generousity possible). I am going to have to approach people boldly to see this move forward (gulp). Thanks for the encouragement.
To Grey Owl:
I think this is a great question- What will it look like? This is what I am ready to explore, but not alone. Care to join me?
To Oldbill:
Yikes! Email me and we can get together. I am free most of next week.
To Greg:
I know Larry well. He (and his church) are among our closest coworkers in this neighborhood. Anything specific you think I should ask him?
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Jamie, I like the idea. As someone who avoided school for so long becuase it was the Gen-X (aaaaarrrrrgggghhh) thing to do, I see now the necessity of education.
I do have some concerns, however (there's a surprise). I am a little wary of theory/practice distinctions, though I have bought into them myself. I do worry when people talk about "practical education" vs. an academic one. I know you don't mean this, but it is very easy to slip into pragmatism here (which, after all is all that postmodernism dissolve into - ha ha). Don't get me wrong, I'm in university and I hate it, but I'm not sure it's because it's necessarily a bad system - I might just be a whiner. As far as the comments about it being by and for the intelligentsia, there may be an intelligentsia at universities, but I have seen little evidence of any realintelligence among students. My point here is that universities (and High Schools - my wife teaches at one) are already becoming increasingly dumbed down and practical. Why is that sociology and phychology departments in universities are bursting at the seams while philosophy departments are barely hanging on?
As far ministry education - as someone who is training to be in ministry what I fear most is an education focused too much on the practical. I think the great need for churches and para-church ministries is a return to rigorous academic theology, which does exist within an academic tradition, that is, not only what is studied but how it is studied. It is pastor's inability to think deeply about the theology behind their contextual problems that seem to me to be the greatest need for the Church - Traditional or Emerging.
I am now just rambling, so I'll stop.
How do I post this damn thing? Oh - Send. (Comment this)
As you say, it does not serve us to function in the unhealthy dichotomy of "practical" vs. "academic", as both sides need to be deeply informed by the other. Pragmatism as a central value is not my goal (though healthy pragmatism must have its small voice in the matter).
I am by no means advocating the dumbing down of education, as I feel this has happen too much already, both in academia (as you pointed out) and within the church (including the so called "parachurch"). You know me well enough to know that I want deep, DEEP theology to inform my context (YWAM), as well as the larger Christian community.
That being said, quality spiritual education and formation should not be the privelege of the elite, which it is increasingly becoming, both (socio-)economically & culturally, to mention just two.
Thanks for you voice in this dialogue.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Why not just put everything online? Video lectures. Manuals, textbooks, fiction, poetry, - movies and music that speak to the point. Best practices. Real case secenarios. Make it interactive, relevant. Immediate. Chat room interviews with ministry leaders. Video conferences, meetings in cyberspace. Live broadcast events.
But in the end, this is the stark reality: it isn't more education that most of us need, it's more of Christ; of his power and his passion and the walking of a path within his purposes. That all sounds super-spiritual, but you'd be amazed at how easily the depth of the ministry workers' relationship with God is simply overlooked - or worse, taken for granted. Everything, it seems is about programs; precious little is about the people who deliver those program. I for one, would be really interested in seeing how other urban ministries speak to the spiritual needs of their staff. (Comment this)
Excellent question, to which the answer is resoundingly NO- I do not envision a centralized, institutional replica of the traditional academy in the urban context. Not only would it defeat the purposes of the idea, but it would also not be sustainable. While not everything in academia should be tossed out the window, the form & function need to be seriously explored and reimagined for this vision to take form.
The use of technology, such as online content, music, video, etc. is very important, as you say. However, I do not think it is enough on its own. I cannot say enough about the dynamics of physical gatherings, which are impossible to replicate adequately through other mediums. In addition, by utilizing the homes, churches, ministry centres of the ministries/individuals involved also fosters the values and practice of hospitality and long term relational networking.
I do have to take your last paragraph to task. While I agree that pursuing depth in ones relationship with God and pursuing His passion is centrally important, you cannot seperate that from the importance of developing a depth in our understanding. I am part of an organization that is strongly commited to what you are advocating, and I believe we have been able to do great things throughout the world with "uneducated" people who are in passionate relationship with God. However, I am increasingly seeing the high price being paid due to deseminating theologically shallow constructs of faith. God calls us to love Him with our whole selves- mind, will and emotions, both individually and communally.
Additionally, as an urban missionary with several people under my leadership, as much as I invest in the pastoral care I provide for them, it would be extremely uncaring to put them into the complex realities of the urban world without some foundational understanding in the depth of theology. Ultimate, it is uncaring to believe that godly passion and commited service alone are adequate.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Now that I am in a program, not only am I enjoying it, more than ever I can see its value. This particular DMin program at ACTS is much like the one at Drew and the one at George Fox. It involves only two weeks of class time every year. It involves weekly interaction.. online conversation.. with the others in the program and with the profs. The reading and assignments are ongoing and take about 12 hours a week on average. This allows the best of both worlds.. continued engagement in real life and in kingdom pursuits that so that one is reflecting theologically while engaging practically.
There are also increased efforts to take this model to the street.. and lose the big price tag. I know EMERGENT USA is experimenting with the cohort learning model now. I asked about Canada back in June or so, and they said they were not yet prepared to expand the model into Canada. But do we need to wait? Not really. We could find qualified people in Canada who might be willing to contribute time. People like Bryan Walsh (Toronto) and Alan Roxburough (Van) might have some interest. Peter Davids is around somewhere. Maybe Dave Diewert (Van). Others of us are currently in the academic world.
Then there is http://www.disseminary.org/ (Comment this)
As I read through the stream of comments, I was reminded of an elementary charter school I read about in the US years ago. It was in some huge city (NY or Chicago?). This was a school that existed without their own facilities. Instead, they used the rich resources available in their community. So, if they studied English on Mondays, the class congregated at the huge public library. If they studied Art on Tuesdays, they congregated at the art gallery, etc. They developed relationships with these different institutions, which was win-win for both the institution (developing a new generation of passionate, informed supporters) and the school (able to offer and incredibly rich, high-quality education with the cost involved NOT going into the physical plant). I really liked Len's observations above, of a programme altered to combine technology and face-to-face. Also I think you would be uniquely positioned to take the seminary to the streets, literally. Studies of God, His Word, and the history of thought related to Him would take on a very different flavour, imho, if it were studied out of a homeless shelter, a maternity home, a food bank, a shopping centre, a movie theatre... (Comment this)
I'm adding my prayers to the rest for the programme you've got in the works. (Comment this)
Thanks for the input. I have written Scot, so we'll see if he is able to weigh in.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
I would love to hear more about the charter school. Feel free to email me if you have any more info.
YWAM NO (as in New Orleans, not to mistaken for a YWAM equivelant of Emergent-No) staff are amazing people struggling to reestablish in their devastated city. Keep them in prayer.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
What organization to you work with? I used to live in Vancouver, so I am familiar with most groups. If you ever need to broaden your network of local urban workers, I'd suggest connect with the YWAM office on Commercial Drive.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Good thread here, lots of ideas to think about, and it all concerns an important subject.
I'll simply put down some ideas. Let me know if others pick up my thoughts, because I may forget....
As it is, most ministers become qualified by having a degree. Very few sit down to think that a "degree" does not qualify a person to minister, but most think this somehow gives them the credentials to be trustworthy, since a seminary should provide the potential minister with what is needed.
There are major issues here, for while most don't think a degree is what makes a minister, there is too close of a connection.
Seminaries are (1) too expensive because they are tuition-driven -- this is how professors, etc, are paid; and (2) too far from churches and direct hands-on ministry.
I do not think "seminary" can be provided by videos and CDs and DVDs. Nor can it be imported.
A minister is a "gift" -- it derives from God's call and God's enablement through the Spirit. This is the beginning of it all.
The best way to be "prepared" for those with the gift is (1) to work in ministry, (2) to learn theology, and (3) to be mentored by those who are gifted and wise.
Ministry development continues and it requires devotion -- to the Lord, to the community of faith and to the community, and to personal growth. (Comment this)
Thanks for weighing in. I am curious what you mean when you say of Seminary "Nor can it be imported in". As you say, most of the people I work along side in the ministry are people who have walked the walk, following a call from God, deeply dependant on His Spirit.
Your list of 3 things that "prepare" ministers is very true. Of them, the first I have seen a great deal. Number 3, being mentored, happens occasionally (though not enough). The mentoring I have had has come largely from two men, one I pursued and defined the relationship, the other was a natural one that stemmed out of living with his family for years. Both of these are rare, so there needs to be more intentionality in it (without it becoming overly programized).
However, Number 2 presents the greatest challenge. After years in YWAM, I am convinced that some of the most effective spiritual & missional formation can happen outside of formal academic settings. Seeing learning centred in an intentional community, defined by a praxis-driven missional foundation, is a powerful and beautiful thing.
That being said, I have also seen that to learn theology requires a loving of God with our MINDS, something that requires something more. Books, videos, CD, etc. can be very helpful in this, but as you say this is not enough.
So my question back to you is this: What can you suggest to bridge this gap in learning theology?
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Bruce Demerest says there are three levels of relational, intentional guidance.. spiritual friendship, spiritual mentoring, and spiritual guidance. The cohort falls into the first category really. The second and third levels are less common. But any "program" that made those levels mandatory would have greater impact. And it wouldn't necessarily have to come from the theology teachers.. it could use other local resources... elders, pastors and priests and people who are students of life, the Spirit and the Word.. (Comment this)
I agree with your assessment regarding mentoring. What I have found most challenging is that those who most need mentoring are those who aren't interested in it or won't work for it. Perhaps I am just being cynical.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
I'll let the cat out of the bag. Until "seminary" is re-named and moved back into the local church, it will and cannot be what it needs to be. Seminary is an academic empire and enterprise -- fine and good for what it does and what it can do -- teach academic things to ministers who can benefit from such things.
The fundamental issue is this: people need "MDiv"s to be credentialed; they need seminaries to get MDivs.
My issue is simple: an MDiv does not a minister make.
What does? The call of God, the gifting of the Holy Spirit, and the mentoring of those who have gone before. Part of that mentoring is educative -- part, not all. Most of that mentoring is modeling how and what to do as a leader of God's flock.
What can we do? I believe every pastor needs to have a two or three mentors: a spiritual advisor with whom the pastor must be honest; a theological advisor with whom the pastor can talk theology and Bible and exegesis. I can't tell you the number of students whom I taught with whom I'm occasionally in contact, some of whom will dash off a note on Thurs night and say "I'm stuck for a sermon idea -- I'm on this passage -- can you get my mind going?" Every pastor, then, needs to have a former professor, etc, with whom he or she is regular contact just to chat or e-mail or discuss. John Ortberg has said this to me numerous times. (By the way, we are friends but I'm in no way his mentor; we've just discussed this.) Former profs unwilling to do this should be fired.
The final mentor is that a young pastor needs to learn the ropes from a wise pastor.
The blog world is not the worst of such environments for (some, but not all) theological mentoring.
Pastors need to read the Bible daily and to pray daily. Seems so obvious, but it is easy to skip. I have a ms with my publisher now on prayer, and I hope it will help pastors and lay folk learn to pray better.
Here's a standard piece of advice on book reading:
1. Pastors need to have a "basics" booklist. Usually about 10 or so books that need to be studied for the basics. (OT Theology, NT Theology, patristics, Church history, Reformation, Modern theology, Evangelism, et al)
2. Pastors need to read pivotal books in a variety of fields.
3. Pastors need to read some books for the sheer pleasure of it.
In general, pastors need to learn Greek and Hebrew so they can be conversant with the best commentaries and make sense of problems and questions.
But, more than this: they need to be Christians -- good ones, exemplary but honest ones, and they need to love God and to love others, they need to love their wife or husband, they need to love their kids.
They need to be like Jesus. (Comment this)
As a card carrying, paycheque receiving member of the academy I know a little of the difficulties of Christian higher education. Though I am not ready to give up on the traditional approach to higher education, I am intrigued by your idea. I teach at a Christian college but I am also attending a school that pushing the boundaries of Christian accrediting bodies because it just doesn’t fit. Yet the doctoral education I am receiving is of the highest quality and the relationships I am developing are some of the most important in my life and ministry.
I have often thought of taking a sabbatical and going ‘overseas’ to teach and train leaders who have little or no formal education, but the same can apply here can it not? A TEE (Theological Education by Extension) program in inner city Winnipeg? Why not? Ever heard of Jim Humphries and what he is doing with Project L.A.M.B.S? There are some models out there that I'm sure can be adapted to the urban context - a place to start at least.
What saddens me a little is that it seems as though the church has abandoned most of its responsibilities for providing education, deep theology as you call it, to the seminaries. This goes both for offering serious adult education as well as providing much needed funds and work release for further training for those who serve. Maybe, until the urban seminary is up and running, those of us who have formal theological training can be brave enough to meet some of those needs though our local Christian communities. And maybe, on the other side of the coin, these communities can be brave enough to encourage, perhaps even require their parishioners to think deeper as well as provide funds and time for those who are ‘in the trenches’ to take courses that will enhance and strengthen both the ministry of the individual and the ministry of the church.
Sign me up!
Yours,
Kara (Comment this)
I love how MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) has utilized web technology (which is both accessible and free) to basically give away their courses. http://ocw.mit.edu/index.html - there are currently around 1100 course free online.
Their reasoning for this is "based on the conviction that the open dissemination of knowledge and information can open new doors to the powerful benefits of education for humanity around the world."
They are basically leveraging the resources of a paid institute (MIT) to expand education for those who could not typically access or afford it. Could our seminaries learn to be as Christian?
- Jason Johnston (Comment this)
great thread of conversation.
i'm in a small seminary here in new york, tuition is free because my wife teaches at the undergraduate school of social work. their emphasis on urban ministry has allowed us to do ethnographies in certain parts of the city, and take a real hands-on approach to commmunity ministry. Some of the classes also take trips to other urban areas around the world to get a global perspective. while conservative in many respects, i there are certain aspects of it that are pomo. As you know Mayra began a blog for her social policy class.
Most of the folks I know that have been trained in traditional seminaries, are trained in traditional theologies that don't often speak to postmodern and urban realities. all this to say sign me up to dream some more with you (Comment this)
You said, "The fundamental issue is this: people need "MDiv"s to be credentialed; they need seminaries to get MDivs. My issue is simple: an MDiv does not a minister make."
I couldn't agree more. My dream is to offer an options that doesn't place all the onus on individual congregations, but creates a mutually beneficial network of shared resources, people (I reject the term "human resources") and opportunities that would enageg the mind, but maintain the core of relational/communal and experiential dynamics I believe are essential.
It is interesting (though understandable) how your ideas, though, most often move towards the role of pastors. When I consider this new model, I am thinking of those who serve soup to the homeless, run inner city youth drop in centres, etc. Then again, as you have so often said, they are pastors too.
You also said, "The blog world is not the worst of such environments for (some, but not all) theological mentoring". As I consider you, in a way, a blog mentor, I could hardly argue that. However, as your comment eluded to, there is much to be said for face-to-face experiences as well.
Thanks again for adding your voice.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
I agree with you that the traditional approach should NOT be abandon (though it needs a serious overhaul - Extreme Makeover: Seminary Edition, perhaps?). In fact, it is from those institutions that I hope to draw people to come along side this new model.
I would love to hear more about Jim Humphries & Project L.A.M.B.S., so either drop a comment here or email me (jamie at arpin-ricci dot com). I am trying to explore many options.
I love your imaginings in your comment. As I mentioned to you at the conference, I would love to be intentional about connecting with you guys out at Prov. Thanks for weighing in.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Affordability and accessibility are, as you say, crucial elements of this model. This is one of the reasons I have been devoted to YWAM for more than 11 years- their spritial and missional formation models have the capability (at times) of deeply impacted both a seminary level student and GED, high school drop out. However, it has often come at the cost of deeper thinking, which is why I see that our models are not enough.
As for good teachers, I agree that this qould require financing, however, I have also experienced a willingness with many teachers to donate their energies for much less. Additionally, there are many outside of academia who have a great deal to teach (such as people like, RWK, who is becoming one of my urba heroes). I think this is an easily surmountable issue.
Again, while I affirm the use of the internet to bolster this new model, I do not think it can be the central emphasis, as the individualism of education is still an easy model to fall into. This can happen in classroom settings, which is why the Urban Seminary would be built on the value of hospitality, making the learning environment less institutional and more communal.
However, I think what you suggest, in so far as Seminaries making such resources available, would be a powerful tool. It would be risky, and therefore would require confidence and bravery. Thanks for stopping by.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
I envy your situation. It sounds very exciting. The model that you explained also has some key dynamics I like, especially the emphasis on exploring urban contexts outside out immediate culture (or nation).
You also hit on a key issue when you said, "Most of the folks I know that have been trained in traditional seminaries, are trained in traditional theologies that don't often speak to postmodern and urban realities." What do pomo & urban approached look like? Care to weigh in on this one?
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
www.cuts.edu
www.wts.edu/philadelphia (cost is still exclusive)
I think a lot of what you are talking about is actually taking place in these kind of "mom and pop" seminaries that much of the black church sets up for the purpose of training leadership. Many black urban pastors have a certificate of sorts hanging on their office wall (if they have an office...) indicating that they passed a course led by bishop so and so or elder what's his name. Unfortunately, there are many who don't have access to training and the tap into the *wealth* of resources coming from televangelists. (Comment this)
Have you seen the Forge material in Austrailia that Hirsch and Frost (of "The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century Church" fame). It might be interesting for you.
Gordon (Comment this)
Thanks for the suggested info. My next post on the Urban Seminary topic will talk about the urban context being a deeply defining aspect of the issue, not a secondary one. I hope you will weigh in.
Thanks also for the suggestion of the Forge. Do you have a link that might get me specifically to what you refer to?
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
http://www.forge.org.au/ (Comment this)
Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
jared
Bronx, NY (Comment this)
Thanks for stopping by. Please add your wisdom to the mix. There is already a second post on the topic with at least one more (likely more) to follow.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)