Location, Location, ... Financial Conundrum

In a May 29, 2009 article in the Boston Globe about area theological schools response to the economic crisis, Daniel Aleshire, Executive Director of the Association of Theological Schools, as saying "Theological schools tend to be smaller institutions in the higher education world, and it's getting more and more difficult for small higher education institutions to exist or flourish economically." He goes on to name two major factors affecting theological schools - the rising expense of running a school because of increasing expectations for technological and administrative support and the decline of some of the religious denominations that once supported the schools.

Some say we need fewer seminaries noting also the decline in current viable placements for Master of Divinity graduates.

Here's the catch. The hunger for theological education may be greater than ever. In addition to the hundreds who begin the inquiry process with their presbyteries and/or start seminary, there are hundreds more in need of Commissioned Lay Pastor training. Research shows that seminaries do both of these the best and are the preferred or, in the case of an MDiv, the only choice allowed by our current constitution as well as the proposed new Form of Government.

Of course not everyone can readily move to a residential campus or see themselves in a online assisted Mdiv program, like the one offered by the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, our Presbyterian accredited school with such a program.

In other words, geography matters when in comes to selecting a school. The data shows this. Ten years ago Presbyterian inquirers and candidates attended 62 different seminaries and today that number is over 90.

How do we balance the need for more school locations and the financial pinch that makes it harder and harder for our schools to be viable?

I wonder what our priorities are as a denomination on this question? Are we ready to "sell the seed corn" and risk a bountiful harvest or find ways to partner with our schools in new and creative ways that will grow our common future?

A member of the congregation I served emailed me yesterday. She is an Inquirer for ministry for Word and Sacrament. Working closely with her Session and mentored by her current pastor, she plans to visit three or more seminaries soon. We plan to talk over the weekend as she considers her next steps. Considering the above, I’m not sure what to tell this gifted, faithful, energetic, and emerging leader. What would you say?

Lee in Louisville