Abstract
One of the main issues in theological education is related to the dichotomy between being learned and being godly. Thus, Theology, Church, and Ministry was designed to introduce readers to the place that theological education plays in preparing God-called ministers for service in the church. The writers seek to convince the readers that theological education and church ministry are intertwined and inseparable through the three sections of this book: Introduction, Shape of Ministry Preparation, and Church and Ministry.
In the first four chapters in the first section, the writers discuss the history of theological education and assert the importance of grounding theological education on the authority of the Bible, the supremacy of Christ, and his calling to fulfil his Great Commission.
In the second section, the writers survey the heart of theological education curriculum that is built upon the acknowledgment that God reveals his purpose through general and special revelation. As such, theological education should be designed to help students study and proclaim the Bible. In the twelve chapters, the writers discuss the importance of language studies, biblical studies, systematic and historical theology for solid practical theology.
The last five chapters of this book are focused on connecting theological education to church ministries, either in its devotional life, church order, or social life of the church. In his chapter, Owen Strachan kind of summarizes the book by writing that ‘theological education offers the students the chance to know the world rightly’ (p. 378).
The writers achieve their goal in preparing this excellent introduction that will greatly benefit theological students, and other stakeholders, perhaps even those who are doubtful about the benefit of theological education for church ministry. Not actually targeting the veterans in theological education, this book serves as a reminder to their calling to the cause. The veterans might also benefit from the reflective questions and study references provided at the end of every chapter.
The fact that the writers of the chapters are professors, deans, and presidents of educational institutions could be a great strength but also a weakness for a book written to convince the readers about the close relationship between theological education and church ministry.