Sustaining Ministry Education

Overview & Synopsis

The fastest growing and least-resourced aspect of theological education in North America is lifelong learning for ministry. Located at the confluence of church, society, and academy, lifelong learning is an “ecotone,” a transitional space with its own distinct ecology, an area of steep transition between ecological communities and ecosystems, such as an estuary between saltwater and freshwater. Thus, directors of lifelong learning and the theological librarians they depend on are often on the forefront of educational innovation and attuned to the needs of churches and their communities. Yet, lifelong learning programs have lacked data and scholarship to support their leadership—until now. This book promotes discovery, innovation, nurture, and sustainability in lifelong learning by bringing together directors of programs, theological educators, and theological librarians to share research and best practices to support lifelong learning for ministry.