I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear that Cornerstone University has just discontinued its school of humanities, terminating six full-time faculty who served in programs related to history, literature, philosophy, languages, linguistics, music, and theology. At the seminary, the dean and a theology professor were also terminated. Euphemistic administrator-speak aside, CU has chosen to reduce quality and expenses in order to attract more students to cheaper, trendier vocational programs. These students will get what they paid for, but they won’t get a quality education in the disciplines that help them develop Christian values for their careers.
Theological Education
Seminaries at the Crossroads.8: A Transformative Partnership
Difficulties for Christian colleges and seminaries continue. Recently two northwest USA schools announced a “transformative partnership.” In terms of Amos 3:3, have Jessup and Multnomah agreed on an educational direction that will enable them to walk together?
Seminaries at the Crossroads.7: Tough Times in the Big Apple
Most of us are aware of the death of eminent New York City pastor and author Tim Keller on May 19. But there’s more bad news. Two evangelical colleges in NYC have recently closed. Here’s why it happened and how we should think about it. The harvest is not over in the Big Apple!
Seminaries at the Crossroads.6: Colleges are closing too.
I hate to pour cold water on colleges and universities at this time of the year when joyful commencement celebrations are happening all over the world, but . . . . Where are the replacements for this year’s grad’s coming from? Who will fill their shoes? Sadly, this year’s commencement will be the last for some schools. And the implications of this downward trend for seminaries is ominous.
Seminaries at the Crossroads.5: GRTS Name Change
In an “Exciting and Important Update” email to alumni/ae on March 29, Cornerstone University President Gerson Moreno-Riaño announced that Grand Rapids Theological Seminary will now be known as Cornerstone Theological Seminary. Promotional hype and nay-saying aside, the new name on the sign will mean next to nothing unless it marks a renewed administrative commitment to promoting the seminary’s historic values, identity, and mission.
Seminaries at the Crossroads.4: CBTE
In this post we look at Competence-Based Theological Education (CBTE), which is probably the most promising of emerging approaches to theological education. CBTE just might be the way the churches take back the seminaries. At the very least CBTE will require churches and seminaries to get a lot more serious about working together for the kingdom of God.