Pros and cons of church based theological education

Strengths

  • Trains people for ministry while they are actually in ministry.
  • Better context for testing gifts and character.
  • Trains students in skills for ministry.
  • Makes theological education more accessible.
  • Take the local church seriously.
  • Encourages multiplication.
  • Cost efficient.
  • Engages the gifts of those in the local situation.
Weaknesses
  • Very difficult for local leaders to provide a thorough education, both in time and expertise.
  • Can produce narrow training, shaped by the strengths and weaknesses of the local pastor.
  • Doesn't expose students to the wider church.
  • Loss of rigour.
  • Encourages independency.