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Our Perspective
Our Perspective
| Education for Ministry: Our Perspective |
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Education at New York Theological Seminary is a process of dialogue. Moving back and forth between action and reflection, we seek to bring questions and concerns that arise out of real life experience (both individual and collective) into dialogue with the disciplines of theological study. The result is • a dialogue that centers on the Bible. We begin with the assumption that Scripture is authoritative for engaging, criticizing, and reformulating the issues of ministry in contemporary society. Keeping to the tradition of the Biblical Seminary in New York, however, we do not argue for any particular method of biblical interpretation taking precedence over the Bible itself. We believe the Bible is read best from a variety of perspectives and methods. • a dialogue that is multidisciplinary. We believe that the issues and problems of ministry require the best insights of history, theology, ethics, and the social sciences. • a dialogue that is evangelical, ecumenical, and increasingly multifaith. The authenticity and integrity of one’s own faith tradition is best treated and developed in dialogue with other faith traditions. We believe that diversity intensifies learning in a manner that encourages creativity and presses students toward greater clarity in their own confessions and commitments. • a dialogue with brokenness and bondage. Education must take sin seriously. Understanding the brokenness of individuals and the demonic forces that are loose in society is essential to understanding and experiencing change, forgiveness, and healing. For this reason education requires dialogue with the reality of sin at both the personal and systemic levels. • a dialogue with the reality of God’s presence and reign in the world. We believe that education is to be in service to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and committed to the values by which the reign of God is governed. We learn from and teach one another to gain a liberating perspective on ourselves, our life, our task, and our calling in this world. Above all, education is experienced in an environment of prayer, which invokes the power and presence of Jesus through the Spirit. The Seminary is committed to theological education that engages the congregation as the basis for ministry as it seeks to transform the city and the world. Among our student body one will find individuals seeking ordination; working clergy who are currently serving as pastors of churches; religious professionals who serve in a variety of faith based settings; and laity looking to utilize their gifts for ministry more effectively. Our purpose is to help men and women find answers to personal, theological, and vocational questions, to enable them to achieve the highest level of excellence and faithfulness. In all of its academic programs the Seminary emphasizes • proficiency in identifying the biblical, theological, and historical traditions that form the basis of intelligent ministry • the life of the local congregation in relation to the wider community, be that urban, suburban, exurban or rural • ability to work with those of other traditions, cultures, and commitments in a pluralistic context • reinterpretation of the past in relation to the demands and opportunities of the present and future • exploration of the relationship between one’s Christian faith and the development of significant Christian action at both the local and the global levels of engagement • development of appropriate contemporary modes of spirituality • development of a clear pastoral identity • capacity for self understanding and self direction, which is demonstrated in part by a growing understanding of and ability to refine or redefine various ministerial roles • understanding the personal and institution nature and extent of the various forms of oppression that deform the image of God in humanity, including oppression on the basis of race, culture, gender, and class • skill in developing means of responding to such oppression to the end of encouraging full partnership of men and women in ministry and society • competency in the various arts of ministry appropriate to the particular calling of each person, with a particular emphasis upon their use for ministry in the global urban context. Programs of study at NYTS are designed for mature, working men and women who are either already in ministry or who are contemplating a shift from a secular to a religious vocation. Classes are offered in the evening or at other times that are accessible to those who work in secular employment. Students will find the emphasis upon learning in community a recurring theme in the curriculum. The rich diversity of cultural, racial, and denominational identities found within the classrooms of NYTS is seen as an important resource in this regard. Student will also find that a strong emphasis is placed upon the churches and congregations of the city that are the seminary=s partners in the educational venture. These churches and congregations are regarded as being primary locations for developing pastoral identity, as well as being active or potential agents for transformation. As the continuation of the Biblical Seminary in New York, NYTS affirms the centrality of Scripture in its curriculum. A thorough acquaintance with both the First and Second Testaments (or Hebrew Bible and New Testament), and accompanying skills in exegesis and interpretation for urban ministry, are emphasized. One will also find a commitment to • the inclusion of all human beings in ministry • affirmation of each individual's own personal story • an understanding of the congregation in relation to the social, political, cultural and economic realities that surround it • development of pastoral skills and identity "New York Theological Seminary lives on the hyphen between the Word and the world." - George W. Webber, President Emeritus |
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