Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal
Vol-01, Issue-02 (Jul-Sep 2023)
An International scholarly/ academic journal, peer-reviewed/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2960-0006
Academic Formation in Theological Education and Its Implications for Competent Ministry
Olufemi, Jacob Ishola
Faculty member, The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Page Numbers: 60–69
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/8974
Subject: Theological Education, Curriculum Development, Ministerial Competency, Practical Theology, Pedagogy in Higher Education
Received: Mar 19, 2023
Accepted: Apr 11, 2023
Published: Jul 10, 2023
Thematic Classification: Curriculum Design & Academic Formation, Ministerial Leadership & Competency, Holistic Student Formation (Academic, Personal, Ministerial), Comparative Theological Education & Global Perspectives
Abstract
The Research paper titled “Academic formation in the theological education and its implication for competent ministry” was devoted to explore implications of academic formation on ministerial competency. The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso and Catholic Theological College in United State of America were used as case study for the paper. The purpose this paper seeks to achieve were to examine nature of academic formation in theological education; to consider curriculum development of the selected theological institutions; to investigate major formations that takes place in theological schools; and to examine the implications of academic formation on ministerial competency. A descriptive research design method was adopted. Information was sourced through primary documents (internet books and library printed books and journals). Curriculum development style of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso and Catholic Theological College were used. The findings confirmed that basically, there are 3 major formations that occur in a standard theological school. The findings further reveal that academic formations help students to meet the demand of the challenging ministerial tasks.
Keywords: Academic Formation, Theological Education, Competent Ministry, Curriculum
Impact statement
For gospel ministers to be totally formed and prepare for ministry after training, there must have been significant development in three domains of learning which are cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. For this to be achieved, there must be holistic curriculum development that would meet the needs of the learners. Hence, the researcher attempted to evaluate academic formation in theological institutions using The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, and Catholic Theological College, United State of America as scope. This research aims at benefiting theological institutions, theological educators, Students, curriculum planners, as well as accrediting bodies for Theological Institutions. The beneficiaries shall be exposed to the ideal academic processes in theological schools that would aid competent ministry. Particularly, this research would steer academic administrator of both The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, and Catholic Theological College, United State of America towards critical review of their academic processes in order to achieve their aims and objectives.
About The Author
Olufemi Jacob. Ishola is a member of the Faculty of the prestigious Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, and a Doctor of Philosophy Candidate specializing in Administration and Leadership. He teaches Church Administration, Educational Administration, and Leadership Principles, Recruitment, and Training; in the same institution. He’s also a Promoter of “Purpose Driven Life,” conceived by Rick Warren through conferences and outreaches for youth, teenagers, and primary school pupils. He further engages in volunteer ministry at Kersey Children Home (motherless home) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Cite This Article
APA Style (7th Ed.): Olufemi, J. I. (2023). Academic formation in theological education and its implications for competent ministry. Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 1(2), 60–69. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/8974
Chicago Style (17th Ed.): Olufemi, Jacob Ishola. “Academic Formation in Theological Education and Its Implications for Competent Ministry.” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal 1, no. 2 (2023): 60–69. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/8974
MLA Style (9th Ed.): Olufemi, Jacob Ishola. “Academic Formation in Theological Education and Its Implications for Competent Ministry.” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 1, no. 2, 2023, pp. 60–69. International Council for Education Research and Training, https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/8974
Statements & Declarations
Authors’ Contribution: Jacob Ishola Olufemi independently conceptualized the research topic, conducted comparative curriculum analysis between the selected institutions, reviewed existing literature on theological education, synthesized findings on student formation domains, and formulated practical implications for ministerial competency.
Peer Review: This article underwent a formal peer-review process organized by the editorial board of ICERT to evaluate its methodological clarity, thematic relevance, and academic contribution to theological pedagogy.
Competing Interests: The author declares no competing financial, personal, or institutional interests that could have influenced the research, analysis, or conclusions presented in this article.
Funding: The author received no specific grant or external financial support from public, commercial, or non-profit funding agencies for conducting this study or publishing this article.
Data Availability: Information and primary documents supporting the findings of this study were derived from published catalogues, library printed resources, online databases, and academic journal literature listed in the bibliography.
Ethical Approval: Ethical approval was not required for this non-empirical theoretical and document-based descriptive study in educational philosophy and theology.
License: Academic Formation in Theological Education and Its Implications for Competent Ministry © 2023 by Jacob Ishola Olufemi is published in Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal by the International Council for Education Research and Training (ICERT).
References
Ogunrombi. D. (2016). Integrated Curriculum Design. In S. P.A. (Ed.), Principle and Dynamics of Integrated Christian Teaching and Learning (pp. 66-74). Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria: N.B.T.S. Publising Unit.
Ango, S. (2012). Curriculul Development for Minsterial Training. Lagos: Fine Print & Manufacturing Ltd.
Ray, P. M. (2016). Integrated Theological Education. In S. P. A. (Ed.), Principles and Dynamics of Integrated Christian Teaching and Learning (pp. 241-249). Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria: N.B.T.S. Publishing unit. http://www.c:/users/HP530/Documents/Academic Formation(n.d.). Retrieved 10 Oct., 2017,
The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, N. B. (2015). Catalogue. 32. Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria: Baptist Press.
Donald F. (1996) “Interview on Purpose and Plan Governing Theological Education.” (W. L. James, Ed.) Theological Education Debate , 49-58
Dreyer, A. E. (1996). Excellence in the Professions: What Theological Schools can learn
From Law, Business, and Medical schools. (W. L. James, Ed.) Theological Education Debate , 1-13.
Namsoon, Kang (2011). Quality of Theological Education Reconsidered. Challenges And Promises of Quality Assurance in Theological Education: Multi-contextual and Ecumenical Enquiries, 5-7.
Beisswenger, D. F. (1996). Field Education and The Theological Education. (W. L. James, Ed.) Theological Education Debate , 33, 1, 49-58.
Ravi, T. (2011). The Quality of Theological Education Reconsidered. 44.
Ray, P. M. (2016). Integrated Theological Education. In S. P. A. (Ed.), Principles and Dynamics of Integrated Christian Teaching and Learning (pp. 241-249). Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria: N.B.T.S. Publishing unit.
