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Lexington Seminary shows signs of resurrection, says Johnson (8/1/09)
By Nathan Day Wilson, DisciplesWorld contributing writer
INDIANAPOLIS (8/1/09) — Before a crowd of 400, Lexington Theological Seminary (LTS) president James Johnson exclaimed, “I’m here to report that there is joy in resurrection!”
Rather that dwell on recent financial difficulties for the seminary, which largely stem from the global economic recession, Johnson focused his remarks on the signs of hopefulness surrounding the seminary’s new curriculum and pedagogical approach.
He named five indications that God is at work and the change is being well received: First was the successful completion of a court case surrounding LTS finances. “The court hearing didn’t have to turn out positive, but it did.”
Second, he cited financial support for LTS has increased 46% overall and 41% from alumni/ae in the midst of the recession. Third, he said, inquiries from potential students for 2010 are high.
Fourth, the strong work ethic and commitment of trustees impressed Johnson. Last January, for example, the trustees passed twenty reports — some of which were policies immediately enacted — in a marathon meeting. Normally this level of work would require many meetings.
Finally, Johnson praised the LTS faculty for their dedication to the seminary, its students and the ministry of the church and for their willingness to change quickly. “Generally higher education institutions, including seminaries, have not earned reputations for changing rapidly,” quipped Johnson.
In an effort to broaden the reasons for LTS change, Johnson noted a report from the Association of Theological Schools on the relationship between schools of theology and congregations. He highlighted three suggestions from that report:
• Seminaries need to engage laity in direct conversations to learn about changing realities in congregational life.
• Faculties should undertake immersions in congregations.
• Seminaries should bring together administrations, faculties and ecclesial leaders to discuss the importance and direction of theological education.
“The church,” said Johnson, “can exist without seminaries. Seminaries cannot exist without the church.”
“Absolutely needed” for LTS to succeed, according to Johnson, are the continued devoted engagement of the faculty, prayer and input from the denomination, the referral of potential students and financial contributions — both to the annual fund and the endowment.
Johnson reminded alumni present that many received educations “paid for by people whose names we do not know and whose faces we never saw”
Claiming that it costs $29,160 to educate a student at LTS, Johnson concluded by challenging each alumnus to contribute at least that amount to the seminary.
Tanya J. Tyler, incoming president of the LTS alumni council and pastor of Smithfield Christian in Henry County, Ky., analyzed the changes. “I’m optimistic about the new direction the seminary is taking. I am all for anything that will strengthen and revitalize the seminary and help it prepare effective leaders for our church.”
A seven minute video explaining the curriculum and approach can be viewed at www.lextheo.edu.
INDIANAPOLIS (8/1/09) — Before a crowd of 400, Lexington Theological Seminary (LTS) president James Johnson exclaimed, “I’m here to report that there is joy in resurrection!”
Rather that dwell on recent financial difficulties for the seminary, which largely stem from the global economic recession, Johnson focused his remarks on the signs of hopefulness surrounding the seminary’s new curriculum and pedagogical approach.
He named five indications that God is at work and the change is being well received: First was the successful completion of a court case surrounding LTS finances. “The court hearing didn’t have to turn out positive, but it did.”
Second, he cited financial support for LTS has increased 46% overall and 41% from alumni/ae in the midst of the recession. Third, he said, inquiries from potential students for 2010 are high.
Fourth, the strong work ethic and commitment of trustees impressed Johnson. Last January, for example, the trustees passed twenty reports — some of which were policies immediately enacted — in a marathon meeting. Normally this level of work would require many meetings.
Finally, Johnson praised the LTS faculty for their dedication to the seminary, its students and the ministry of the church and for their willingness to change quickly. “Generally higher education institutions, including seminaries, have not earned reputations for changing rapidly,” quipped Johnson.
In an effort to broaden the reasons for LTS change, Johnson noted a report from the Association of Theological Schools on the relationship between schools of theology and congregations. He highlighted three suggestions from that report:
• Seminaries need to engage laity in direct conversations to learn about changing realities in congregational life.
• Faculties should undertake immersions in congregations.
• Seminaries should bring together administrations, faculties and ecclesial leaders to discuss the importance and direction of theological education.
“The church,” said Johnson, “can exist without seminaries. Seminaries cannot exist without the church.”
“Absolutely needed” for LTS to succeed, according to Johnson, are the continued devoted engagement of the faculty, prayer and input from the denomination, the referral of potential students and financial contributions — both to the annual fund and the endowment.
Johnson reminded alumni present that many received educations “paid for by people whose names we do not know and whose faces we never saw”
Claiming that it costs $29,160 to educate a student at LTS, Johnson concluded by challenging each alumnus to contribute at least that amount to the seminary.
Tanya J. Tyler, incoming president of the LTS alumni council and pastor of Smithfield Christian in Henry County, Ky., analyzed the changes. “I’m optimistic about the new direction the seminary is taking. I am all for anything that will strengthen and revitalize the seminary and help it prepare effective leaders for our church.”
A seven minute video explaining the curriculum and approach can be viewed at www.lextheo.edu.
