partnerships in ministry
Scotland) models this kind of authentic
to hone skills in ministry. As we test the
What better environment for dialogue and the
partnership. Through the years, Pittsburgh
world of digital learning and access what it
creative movement of the Spirit, for reflection
Seminary has been privileged to participate
means to reboot graduate education, the
on themes of mission and purpose? Not only
with Scottish institutions. We have been
hybrid program will bring advanced seminary
does this model lead to discovery and renewal,
mutually energized through creative and
education together in dialogue with social
but also cohorts become partners in ministry,
ongoing dialogue, and discernment of
science methodology.
along with seminary faculty. Such partnership
purpose and goals. Students and faculty
is critical in this opportune moment for
travel between Scotland and Pittsburgh to
Why Partnerships?
change, in which fear and anxiety can override
experience different settings and cultures.
Contemporary ministry, including in the
hope for a future reality of and for the church.
highly important world of spiritual formation Likewise, the unique Eastern Christian Focus
and practice, requires robust and repeated
In the D.Min. program, the source of
(an agreement with the Antiochian House
retooling. Interestingly, William Pannapacker
partnering includes a shared desire to learn,
of Studies) combines the strengths of our
writes on the theme of cultivating partnerships
and also a shared yearning for belonging
faculty with those in the Eastern Orthodox
in what is now termed the “digital
and for solutions to problems. Partnerships
tradition. A variation of the Parish Focus
humanities.” He suggests graduate education
last because of collaborative strategies that
designed for clergy serving Orthodox and
will need to demonstrate technological
take into account different strengths, diverse
Eastern Rite congregations and agencies, this
competence and entrepreneurial ability.1
views, and attention to context—that value
program fosters dialogue between Protestant
Communication in the 21st century requires
difference. Too much of the time, we write or
denominations and Eastern Christian
such competencies. At the same time, the
preach or base our thinking on ideologies, as
traditions. And the off-site programs within
wider culture continues to reflect a yearning
though flesh-and-blood human beings were
the Parish Focus itself require careful attention
for community and connections through the
not involved. But partnering requires human
of shared resources between the Seminary and
lens of spirituality. How will those in ministry
engagement. And the Doctor of Ministry
our D.Min. campus partners: Eckerd College
lead the way? The responsibility rests with
Program continues to build on the strong
in St. Petersburg, Fla.; the Presbytery offices
us to “partner” technology with community
relationships we have established, while also
in Charleston, S.C.; and Pinnacle Presbyterian
and spirituality, so that we guide and shape
developing new ones. Join us!
Church in Scottsdale, Ariz.
learning rather than the other way around.
A leading indicator of both depth and focus
Adopting new forms of learning fosters
within a graduate degree program is the ability
transformation by directing our energies
to collaborate across disciplines, to establish
toward positive change. Theological precedent
ongoing functional and dynamic relationships.
guides us: “. . . creation is not just about what
A cogent example of this ability exists in the
happened once upon a time; it includes the
D.Min. Science & Theology Focus, a subject-
many dimensions of how God continues to
oriented partnership involving scientists and
interact with what God has made.”2 We are
theologians modeling a particular form of
made in the image of God to work together—
collaboration. As time and distance become
to partner—on many levels.
The Rev. Dr. Susan Kendall is the director of the Doctor of Ministry Program.
increasingly compressed, digitized, and virtual, creating intentional space for learning across
The D.Min. program is shaped by such
disciplines becomes increasingly important.
theological thinking. The seminar-style environment of the courses nurtures ongoing
Our newest D.Min. endeavor consists in a
collaborative dialogue by bringing together
hybrid program within the Reformed Christian
leaders with significant ministerial experience
Spirituality Focus. The new program, which
beyond seminary. Drawing on this experience,
will incorporate online education, is scheduled
they are able to discuss issues of concern,
to begin in June 2014. As institutions seek to
important experiential learning, and new
redefine their use of resources, collaboration
ideas.
can be key in coping with the changes. Together, time and resources set the stage for new forms of learning and new opportunities 1 See Pannapacker, May 13, 2013, “Cultivating Partnerships in the Digital Humanities.” 2 McFarland, Creation and Theology: The Sources of Christian Theology, 2009, xiii
Panorama
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