Training for Other Ministries

Understanding Theological Education in the RCA Looks at Training for Other Ministries

There was a time, not terribly long ago, when everyone trained by a theological seminary was preparing to be a Minister of the Word and Sacrament. Even those not planning for the parish pastorate were in some form of that ministry. Then came the rise of congregations multiple professional staff members; while some, like youth pastors, often still trained in the traditional way, there were others serving as Christian educators and in similar roles, with different training.

In the modern era, the church grapples more and more with non-traditional paths of educating people serving as pastors, and an explosion of other kinds of ministries outside of the traditional mold. On January 19, 2022, at 12:00 noon, the “Understanding Theological Education in the RCA” colloquy will have an online session looking at “Training Other Ministers.” Our discussion will be led by Terry Ann Smith, Associate Dean of Institutional Assessment and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at NBTS, and Sung Kim, Chief Operating Officer and Associate General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America. Smith, who holds degrees from Roosevelt University, NBTS, and Drew University, is director of the Certificate Program at New Brunswick, which offers theological and ministry training to students not enrolled in traditional graduate programs. Prior to his current role with the RCA, Kim—who also serves and founder and senior pastor of Grace Churches, a multi-site church centered in Ann Arbor, Michigan—served as the RCA’s Director for Leadership Development.

After presentations by Kim, on the needs of the twenty-first century church, and Smith, on the educational possibilities at New Brunswick, we will open up for questions and discussion from everyone present. This program offered via Zoom will be free and open to everyone, but participants must register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEodOurqjstGd0ypez2z60wrMYxjSnSEWpX.