Theological Education

Definition and Meaning

Theological education refers broadly to the study and teaching of theology. In a narrow sense, it denotes the professional training of ministers such as pastors; in a broader sense, it also includes systematic instruction in the faith offered to the laity. The curriculum is usually divided into biblical theology, which studies the Scriptures; systematic theology, which organizes doctrine; historical theology, which deals with the history of the church; and practical theology, which addresses preaching, worship, and pastoral ministry.

Biblical and Historical Background

In the New Testament, Jesus kept the Twelve Disciples close to him and taught them. Paul instructed Timothy concerning what he had learned: "the same commit thou to faithful men" (2 Timothy 2:2). This verse is frequently cited as a basis for training the next generation of leaders. The early church instructed candidates for baptism, and the Church Fathers engaged in theological scholarship; in the Middle Ages, monasteries and universities were responsible for theological education. After the Reformation, Protestants required preachers to be trained in the biblical languages and in doctrine. The academy that John Calvin founded in Geneva is a notable example.

Practice in the Korean Church

Theological education in Korean Protestantism began in seminaries founded by missionaries. Among Presbyterians, the Presbyterian Theological Seminary, begun in Pyongyang by Samuel A. Moffett, produced its first graduates, including Kil Sun-ju, in 1907; these graduates are reported to have been ordained as pastors by the Independent Presbytery.

Today most denominations require pastoral candidates, as a basic qualification, to complete a three-year Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program at a graduate school of theology after finishing college. Each denomination operates its own seminaries.

• Presbyterian: The principal seminary of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Tonghap) is Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary; that of the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church in Korea (Hapdong) is Chongshin University; that of the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea is Hanshin University; and that of the Presbyterian Church in Korea (Kosin) is Kosin University. After graduating from seminary, candidates often go on to take the licentiate (kangdosa) examination and the ordination examination.
• Methodist and Holiness: The principal seminary of the Korean Methodist Church is Methodist Theological University. The Korea Evangelical Holiness Church operates Seoul Theological University.
• Baptist and Pentecostal: The Korea Baptist Convention maintains Korea Baptist Theological University and Seminary, and the Korea Assemblies of God maintains Hansei University.

While enrolled in seminary, students commonly serve in churches as evangelists (jeondosa) to gain practical experience. During the divisions of Korean Presbyterianism, seminaries were often divided along with their denominations. The proliferation of unaccredited seminaries, which operate without government authorization, has been persistently criticized by many denominations because of concerns about the qualifications of pastors. At the same time, theological education for ordinary church members is also widely available, for example through lay theological institutes and Bible colleges run by churches and other organizations.