Theological Education
 Graduation day of Dr. Alicia Lee, Taiwan, LWF scholarship recipient |
The member churches of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), accompanied by the Department of Mission and Development (DMD), are faced with the task of equipping God's people for fulfilling their calling in various ministries of the church.
Theological education is regarded by the churches themselves as a priority. LWF member churches are constantly challenged to develop a holistic ministry in a fast-changing world; the LWF is aware of this and therefore assists churches in responding to the need for theological education.
The DMD supports regional programs which offer fora for member churches to address issues and develop visions in theological education. In Asia and Africa, for example, there are Advisory Committees on Theological Education.
At the LWF headquarters in Geneva there is no Desk dealing specifically with matters of theological education in members churches. However, there is a Staff Working Team on Theological Education. This is an interdepartmental team comprising members from the Department of Mission and Development, the Department of Theology and Studies (DTS), the Office for Ecumenical Affairs (OEA), and the Office for Communication Services.
A wide variety of issues in theological education are taken up by this Staff Working Team. For example, one of the expressed needs of church leaders and theological educators is contextual theological education.
The Staff Working Team on Theological Education has planned and implemented a global consultation on the subject (Rome, 1999). This consultation has generated interest in a consultation on engendering theological education (Montreux, 2001). The Staff Working Team on Theological Education is responsible for activities of this nature, which enrich member churches for equipping God's people for holistic ministries.
