At this week’s Theological Research Seminar (TRS), Jason Mills will be presenting his research on Digital Seedbeds and the Future of Pastoral Education: Practical and Theological Considerations for Those Who Teach and Learn Online. Read the abstract and bio below.
All are welcome to join the online meeting using the link below at 1:00pm.
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Password: 562299
Abstract
The word “seminary” originates from the Latin term seminarium meaning “seedbed”. An earthy and organic word, “seedbed” describes an educational environment where student faith and knowledge are nurtured communally and residentially in preparation for a life of service to God, the church, and the world. Recently, the nature of seminary education has started to shift away from its communal and embodied roots; seedbeds are going digital. As seminaries offer courses and programs online, the Web-based context appears to be effective and helpful. Yet very little theological consideration has been given to this new mode of ministry preparation. This presentation will trace the history of theological education and the rise of online courses, and reflect theologically on Web-based pastoral education. It will conclude by providing some practical suggestions for how to integrate online learning tools while carefully discerning their limits for Christian formation.
Bio
Jason Mills is a Pastor, Chaplain, & Educator living in the Blue Mountains and researching and writing about ministry and technology, online theological education, and practical theology. In 2021 he received the Governor General’s Gold Medal and a PhD in Theological Studies from St. Michael’s College. His thesis examined the effects of Web-based education on students and programs of pastoral formation. He has over 20 years of pastoral ministry experience in small and multi-staff congregations and has taught courses at Emmanuel Bible College and Tyndale University. He is currently working as a CAF chaplain supporting and mentoring young women and men at an army base in Meaford, ON and looking for a full-time practical theology position in the academy. He and his wife are both ordained Free Methodist chaplains and parents to two amazing children. You can find Jason’s blog at www.jasonmills.ca
The MDC Theological Research Seminar (TRS) will be held virtually for the 2021-22 academic year. TRS usually meets for an hour twice per month on Wednesdays. Each seminar includes about thirty minutes for the paper presentation and twenty minutes for discussion.
All advanced degree students are invited to present a paper and share your research with your colleagues. TRS is an excellent opportunity to “test drive” a paper you will be presenting at an upcoming conference and receive helpful feedback on your current research projects. Thinking about submitting an article to a journal and want some interaction first? TRS will provide it. Just published an article or an essay and want to share it us? TRS is an excellent opportunity to broadcast it.
This year the organizing committee consists of Dr. Francis Pang, Dr. Michael Knowles, and Dr. Steve Studebaker.