The relationship between theological training and practical ministry : a study of Pan Africa Christian College Alumni 1983-2004

Abstract

Theological training presupposes a mandate from God, and hence, a responsibility to him. The task of theological training is to nurture gifted leaders who are in turn to nurture other believers so that the church can effectively fulfil her missional mandate. The effectiveness of theological training must therefore be measured by how it enhances the practice of ministry in the work of its graduates. There exists a general concern about the way theological schools are preparing men and women for church ministry, with the church leadership feeling like graduates are not up to the task of ministering despite the theological training that they have been given in Bible Schools and Seminaries. This study begins by noting the limitations of the traditional training models of ministerial training. Then it examines the relationship between theological training and practical ministry with the purpose of addressing the fundamental problems that hinder theological training from becoming relevant. Ultimately the study establishes the need for a competent training program modelled after the New Testament discipleship model approach. This model integrates knowledge, being and practical training. The research focuses on the Pan Africa Christian College (PACC) alumni 1984-2004 as case study, with a view to establishing the relationship between training and practical ministry. At the same time, to establish the extent to which theological training at PACC has helped the graduates in their placement and practice of ministry. Finally, the study re-examines the scriptural basis for theological training and practical ministry and proposes a new model for that addresses common inadequacies in theological training. The research has established that there is a relationship between theological training and practice of ministry and that practical ministry can only be improved through enhancing theological training.