What is Theological Education?

Douglas Milne (Principal)

Theological education is about handing on the truth of the Gospel from one group of people to another. Paul tells Timothy that he must entrust to faithful men what he himself has received from Paul (2 Tim 2:2). Paul was Christ's apostle and has passed on his infallible teaching in his letters to the churches and leaders of the New Testament.

Theological education and theological colleges play their part in this process of transmission by facilitating the learning, understanding, interpretation and communication of the Word of God. Those who receive this training, skills and knowledge will then be able to teach and train others for Christ's service in the churches and society.

But not all theological education is of equal value. Only theological study that rests in the written word of God and invests in the power of the Holy Spirit will produce results that matter. “In the Information Age, it is important to have a strong intellectual centre for studies. The Scriptures are this for us. In the multiplication of words, we ask for the one eternally true Word. ‘Blessed are those whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night' (Psalm 1:1 – 2)” (Rolf Hille).

If you are thinking seriously about theological education why not down-load the sound-track by Neil Chambers - ‘Making the Most of Theological Education'(MP3)? His remarks will help you think through the implications, expectations and practicalities of theological education at the PTC.

Douglas Milne (Principal)