It pulled me up with a start and made me wonder if I have become too apologetic for theological education. I've been convinced for a long time that the a theological education which helps students develop skills in handling the scriptures and thinking about issues and ministry is the most significant type of ministry preparation available. However we live in a society which is obsessed with 'how to' and it rubs off on the church and we often value 'training' above 'education'. I find myself focussing more and more on 'training'. Then I read that the Australian Army is discovering that education is primary, something which reformed Christianity has known since its inception almost 500 years ago.
It isn't that I think that there is no place for training. Resources such as the Ministry Papers are terrific. We want people to come into PTC with well developed ministry skills and to leave with even better skills. However for the long term skills need to be underwritten by theological thinking.
