Church-Based Education

Author: Joel Liechty

Theological education is ultimately the work of the local church. Although seminaries have, in the last 100+ years been the center of theological education, the church is longing for ministry preparation that is more embedded in the life of the local church. 

At Foundry Seminary, we seek to lean into this need. We believe that the best theological education is centered in the life of the church: what God is doing in a local community and through the followers of Christ who meet, worship and do life together. It is in this place that theology becomes lived. It is a living theology that brings the hope of the Gospel into the breathing life of a congregation, its people and its community. 

Theology is not known until it is lived. For this reason, theology learned in the classroom is an amazing half step toward being known. It is truly known when it is embodied in the life of the church and in the actions and thoughts of the followers of Christ who live it. Thus, we cannot do theological education unless it is taught and learned in the church.