Last weekend, 天美视频 of Theology & Psychology was invited to participate in the . The summit, which exists to highlight innovation and foster conversation about new, sustainable forms of theological education, is an initiative of the and is funded through a grant from the Carpenter Foundation. 天美视频 was one of 24 programs featured during the Chicago-based conference.
As long-established seminaries and institutions are closing at an unprecedented pace, the need for new models, ones that can speak into the ever-growing complexity of our world in creative ways, is clear. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not in the golden era of theological education anymore,鈥� says , Senior Vice President of Academics at 天美视频. 鈥淐hurches are challenged, seminaries are challenged, and while you鈥檙e thinking about how to do seminary, how to do a theology school, you can鈥檛 ignore that we live in a time of social fragmentation.鈥�
In the midst of upheaval and nationwide questions about how to move forward, the continued growth of 天美视频鈥檚 graduate programs is beginning to attract more attention. 鈥淥urs is one that鈥檚 growing while others are closing,鈥� says Dr. McNeil. 鈥淚n a time when theological education is changing, and needs to change, people are perceiving us as having learned some things and being innovative in what we do. The challenge for us is trying to translate our learning, which is not simply a progressive step but is really a shift.鈥�
To help share about 天美视频鈥檚 model and the innovative learning that occurs through the integration of theology and psychology, Dr. McNeil shared the video below and was joined by , Associate Professor of Practical Theology, who introduced the concept of text.soul.culture, and , Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, who shared her perspective as a new member of 天美视频鈥檚 faculty. Dr. Friesen also led a separate talk about connecting the seminary and the local community.
鈥淚t鈥檚 interesting when you鈥檙e the rebel in the house, then suddenly the rebellion becomes innovative,鈥� says Dr. McNeil. 鈥淭he old answers don鈥檛 work anymore鈥攁nd more than that, the questions are changing, too. Everyone鈥檚 asking, 鈥榃hat鈥檚 next, what鈥檚 new?鈥� And we鈥檙e thought to be people who are doing things that just might work.鈥�