"The Theology of Theological Education" by Johan Ferreira

The Theology of Theological Education

Theological education in Australia is undergoing significant change. There is a plethora of new innovations and “market-driven” programs. What can be said about all these programs and innovations? It appears that there is very little reflection on the theology of theological education. The basis of our theology of theological education at Crossway College is the Great Commission. The enterprise of theological education is in fact a central aspect of the outworking of the commission that Jesus gave to the disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. In particular, the Great Commission provides the justification (why?), the content (what?), as well as the methodology (how?) of theological education.

The “why” of theological education

Why do we spend so much time and effort on theological education? Jesus’ first words to his disciples in the Great Commission provide the basis for mission, and also for theological education. “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” As the result of his redemptive work on the cross and his victorious resurrection from the dead, Jesus received or “was given” all authority. The Father has not abandoned Jesus on the cross but has vindicated him through the resurrection and has now bestowed all “authority” upon him. Jesus has therefore been “authorised” as it were to continue his mission in the world. Likewise, it is the commission of the risen Lord that provides the presupposition and justification of theological education. This is the indispensable context of theological education. It is a matter of obedience and of worship. It is at the feet of the crucified and risen Lord, in humble adoration and thankfulness, that we should conduct the study of theology. Once theological education divorces itself from the mission of the church and the worship of the Lord, it becomes like the branch that leaves the vine and withers. Theological education must engage itself with the crucified and risen Lord in obedient service and worship.

The “what” of theological education

What should be taught? What should be the focus of the teaching and learning? The Great Commission can be very instructive, and indeed should be determinative, as we reflect on this question. When we look at the commission itself it is important to note that there is only one command, and that is, “to make disciples”. The verb here means “to make disciples of”, “to make students of” or “to educate” someone. Consequently, making disciples involves an educative process rather than getting decisions or commitments. Hence, the Great Commission at heart speaks about theological education.

But what must be the focus of this education? Clearly, it means that people (“all nations”) must become disciples of the Lord. Therefore, the main goal of theological education must be discipleship, i.e. the following of the Lord. Discipleship implies the following of a person rather than merely gaining understanding of a system of knowledge. The goal of the disciple is to become like the master. The purpose of many educational systems today is for students to develop skills in order to gain employment. Personal development – matters of character – does not receive much emphasis. However, the goal of theological education, in the perspective of the Great Commission, should be to develop disciples of Jesus. Character formation is all-important. This imitatio Christi principle must lie at the heart of theological education if it is going to fulfill its goal. It is about transforming ordinary people into the likeness of Christ.

The “how” of theological education

How should we conduct theological education? The Great Commission also guides us in how to conduct theological education. When we look at the Great Commission a beautiful and well worked out structure appears. The main verb “to make disciples” is qualified by three subordinate participial clauses (go, baptise and teach). These clauses inform us how the command is to be carried out, i.e. it is through going, baptising, and teaching.

The first participle is “go”. The pre-condition of making disciples is “going”. The order is not accidental. We need to be in the world, we need to cross boundaries. This is the indispensable condition of mission and also of theological education. Theological education ideally needs to occur within the context of mission or ministry. The student needs to be instructed as he or she does ministry.

The second clause underscores the importance of personal commitment to new relationships. Baptising into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit indicates relationship. The new believer in Jesus enters into relationship with the Triune God and the new community of the kingdom through baptism. Although building community is becoming increasingly difficult in today’s segmented and mobile world, theological colleges need to emphasise and find ways to foster community. Ignoring this aspect of Christian existence and development will produce dysfunctional pastors and church workers.

The third clause underscores the importance of teaching. Indeed, the third participial clause is directly related to the task of theological education. Teaching is the core business of theological education. The goal of teaching is for students to become disciples, followers of the master, indeed becoming like the Lord Jesus himself. There can be no greater challenge for the task of theological education.

Conclusion

Theological education is one of the most exciting and important tasks in which to be engaged; it lies at the very heart of the Great Commission. Theological education fulfils the Great Commission both directly as it “makes disciples” and indirectly as it equips the church to “make disciples”. This is our aim at Crossway. Jesus concludes the Great Commission with the promise of his presence. “And behold, I am with you every day, until the end of the age.” It is only with the presence and empowerment of the Lord that the mission of the church, and that of theological education, can be fulfilled.