Suchergebnisse

Training for the new breed of clergy is not a matter of learning "new forms," but of engaging in research and development closely related to action. Its purpose is not merely to steer the ship of the church through present rapids, but to prepare its members for participation in perpetual rapid change. "Urbanization" has produced new developments within previous specialized ministries, like those devoted to industry, counseling, and human relations. It has also pro duced new training centers in which clergymen-participants work at societal projects while developing their roles with respect to urban issues. "Ministerial" functions are found, both within congregations and within other societal groups, through helping people to participate on the basis of shared symbols and ethical convictions. Seminaries have responded by putting their students out to training centers or by seeking to adopt those functions into their own programs; their curric ular dilemmas seem acute instances of those which are per plexing most higher schools in the society. The future of sepa rate urban training may depend on tightened belts and on enlarged (but similarly committed) constituencies.

In an evaluation of recent changes in the Protestant ministry, the position is taken that training for the new breed of clergy is not a matter of learning 'new forms' but of engaging in R&D closely related to action, & preparing its members for participation in perpetual rapid change. Ur'ization has produced new developments within previous specialized ministries, like those devoted to industry, counseling & HR. It has also produced new training centers in which clergymen-participants work at societal projects while developing their roles re Ur issues. Much more evaluation needs to be made of the societal & ecclesiastical projects in which former trainees are now engaged, as well as of some which have been initiated by the training centers themselves or which have emerged in the course of training. Seminary uses of new forms of training have been diversified & exp'al. Seminaries have put their students out to training centers or have sought to incorporate into their own programs the new ministerial functions of helping people to participate in society on the basis of shared symbols & ethical convictions. Their curricular dilemmas seem acute examples of those which are perplexing most higher Sch's in society. More could be done in the seminaries by asking historical questions about religious practice, & by distinguishing logically between theological work done with an eye to general theoretical concepts, & programs being used by specific groups in understanding & improving their common life. There could also be more acceptance by theological faculties of agenda from the field. The problem of funds is acute. But, if the new forms of training succeed, there will be surprises in Amer religious life. Modified HA.