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ABOUT THE CENTER
Auburn's
Center for the Study of Theological Education, the first of its kind
ever to be established, provides an important context for reflection
and the relevant empirical data that will enable national and local
leaders in theological education to make informed judgments on the
institutional and personnel matters so critical to the future of theological
education everywhere.
Joseph C. Hough, Jr.
President
Union Theological Seminary
New York, NY |
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Auburn believes that if quality lay and professional leadership is to be assured,
the institutions that train leaders for religion and society must be analyzed,
improved and strengthened. This enterprise requires the kind of critical inquiry
long afforded other forms of higher learning. Auburn's Center for the Study of
Theological Education is the only research institute in the nation focusing specifically
and comprehensively on theological education. Established in 1991, it identifies
key challenges, explores them in depth, and shares the results with theological
schools, religious communities and other educational institutions.
These include:
- strengthening educational programs. What changes will make theological teaching and learning more effective? What roles should religious communities play in the theological education of their leaders? How do the culture and ethos of seminaries shape their students?
- finding adequate resources for theological education. Where will seminaries get their money? How should they spend it? How do they get into and out of financial trouble? Can top students afford to become religious leaders? What will be the effect of their mounting indebtedness on the institutions that train and hire them?
- making connections to church and society. How can seminaries become more deeply and effectively connected to religious communities at all levels and to other social and educational institutions?
The Center serves a broad constituency, including mainline and evangelical Protestant, Roman Catholic and Jewish theological educators, as well as leaders of religious agencies and of organizations that oversee theological education. The Center's findings, the results of collaborative research, are made available widely through print, interactive technology and conferences.
The Center's research helps leaders to make wise decisions regarding issues affecting the future health of their institutions. Over time, ideas generated by such research may influence the thought and conversation of these institutions. Perspectives shift and positive change can take root and flourish.
With the Center for the Study of Theological Education, Auburn is continuing its
mission of reaching out--extending theological resources to the academy, the church
and the world beyond.
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