Its no secret that the church as an institution in America is undergoing great change, and with it the role and function of clergy. In this episode, Ted Smith joins the show to talk about the history of formal theological education in the United States, the transition from the standing order to voluntary associations as the primary sociological gathering model, the professionalization of ministry, and the emergence of denominations as we know them. He also talks about the downsides of the professionalization such as clergy being lonely, isolated, and out of touch. Ted also speaks about growing trends such as Christian leaders being formed outside of professional education, smaller and more homogenous denominations, and Mega-churches and micro-churches.
Ted Smith is Charles Howard Candler Professor of Divinity and Associate Dean of Faculty at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. He holds degrees from Duke University, Oxford University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Emory University. He is the author of three books: The New Measures, Weird John Brown, and, most recently, The End of Theological Education, which reviewers have hailed as a generational landmark in reflection on theological education. He has edited books on sexuality and ordination, contemporary issues in preaching, and economic inequality. Smith also serves as director of Theological Education between the Times and the editor of the series of books that have grown out of that project. Ordained to ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Smith served as pastor to two congregations in upstate New York prior to beginning his doctoral studies.
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Future Christian Team:
Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer
Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host
Paul Romig–Leavitt – Executive Producer
Danny Burton - Producer
Dennis Sanders – Producer
Natalie Wigg-Stevenson and Ethnographic Theology
Nikki Frontz and innovative ministry
Ally Henny and messy church
Nancy Pittman and the future of theological education
Eric Law and Living Grace and Truth in a Frightened World
Carol Howard Merritt and Healing Spiritual Wounds
Ashley Easter and learning to trust your intuition
Paul Romig-Leavitt, Justin Bullis, and worship in a progressive Christian context.
Diana Butler Bass and letting the past be our guide to the future
Delesslyn Kennebrew and living beyond your imagination
Doug Pagitt and Outdoing Jesus
Jack Shitama leading in the midst of anxiety
Amanda Henderson and Holy Chaos
Eric Smith and Paul, the progressive?
Katie Hays and spiritual refugees
Eric Atcheson and living out God’s Kingdom
Brandan Robertson and traveling light
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