Teaching the World
by John Cartwright, Gabriel Etzel, Christopher Jackson, and Timothy Paul Jones | Book Summary
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Author: John Cartwright, Gabriel Etzel, Christopher Jackson, and Timothy Paul Jones
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Ministry preparation can neither be shaped by pragmatism nor finances. Rather, theological education must primarily be informed and conformed to the Word of God with the theological implications drawn from Scripture. Online theological education is part of the present, and students can be prepared for ministry through the online medium. This is not merely pragmatic. Scripture models distance education done well, and it gives us principles for how to do this work well. It will require some shifts in thinking, but it will still conform to the goals and foundations of traditional, residential theological education. In theological education, "the importance of a relationship with God and with others within the context of spiritual formation is essential" (p. 75). This context can be developed in an online learning environment, though it takes hard work and intentionality of course design. Is online theological education the way of the future? It's certainly a part of the future, whether we like it or not. Now the emphasis should be on doing it well. |
The authors of this book come from varied backgrounds, and two of the professors come from Liberty University, an educational institution well-known for its robust online presence.
John Cartwright is associate professor of Christian leadership and education as well as the associate dean of Liberty University's School of Divinity.
Gabriel Etzel is a professor of theology and Christian leadership and the vice provost for undergraduate education at Liberty University.
Timothy Paul Jones is the C. Edwin Gheens Professor of Christian Family Ministry and associate vice president for the Global Campus at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.
Christopher Jackson is pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church and St. Peter's Lutheran Church in northeast Wisconsin.
Teaching the World
by John Cartwright, Gabriel Etzel, Christopher Jackson, and Timothy Paul Jones
[ Book Summary ]
| Author | John Cartwright, Gabriel Etzel, Christopher Jackson, and Timothy Paul Jones |
| Publisher | B&H Academic |
| Date | 2017 |
| Pages | 188 |
Overview:
The world is becoming increasingly digital. The largest secular educational institutions are moving online. But what about Christian institutions? Can theological education really happen online?
Ministry preparation can neither be shaped by pragmatism nor finances. Rather, theological education must primarily be informed and conformed to the Word of God with the theological implications drawn from Scripture.
Online theological education is part of the present, and students can be prepared for ministry through the online medium. This is not merely pragmatic. Scripture models distance education done well, and it gives us principles for how to do this work well. It will require some shifts in thinking, but it will still conform to the goals and foundations of traditional, residential theological education.
In theological education, "the importance of a relationship with God and with others within the context of spiritual formation is essential" (p. 75). This context can be developed in an online learning environment, though it takes hard work and intentionality of course design.
Is online theological education the way of the future? It's certainly a part of the future, whether we like it or not. Now the emphasis should be on doing it well.
The authors of this book come from varied backgrounds, and two of the professors come from Liberty University, an educational institution well-known for its robust online presence.
John Cartwright is associate professor of Christian leadership and education as well as the associate dean of Liberty University's School of Divinity.
Gabriel Etzel is a professor of theology and Christian leadership and the vice provost for undergraduate education at Liberty University.
Timothy Paul Jones is the C. Edwin Gheens Professor of Christian Family Ministry and associate vice president for the Global Campus at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.
Christopher Jackson is pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church and St. Peter's Lutheran Church in northeast Wisconsin.