The predominant method for ministry formation in the contemporary church consists of a course of study in a Bible college or seminary. While this has been and will continue to be an effective method for theological education, it does not work for everyone called to ministry. Some people for financial or practical reasons cannot follow this path.…

The seminary is an educational institution that exists for the purpose of training people for a variety of vocational and academic ministries such as local church pastors, missionaries, educational instructors, seminary professors, and a plethora of other local church positions, and para-church organizations. The seminary has existed in various…

The ethnic minority local church and its role in the Methodist ministry is discussed in an effort to emphasize the importance of strengthening Methodist ties with the black community. The black religious heritage and its historical relationship to the Methodist church are also discussed. It is suggested that church boards and agencies should…

Continuing education of the clergy includes, in addition to theological education, sociocultural disciplines, training in professional skills, and personal development. Institutional provisions are many and varied--theological schools, universities and colleges, conference and study centers, institutes, interseminary centers, denominational…