An Anglican School

Introduction
There are things that must be done, and if left undone, the passage of time makes them less likely as one grows old. For my part, I have long known time that theological education in North America was woefully inadequate, but never had the time or circumstance to build a school that would redeem the past. Now that I am in my late sixties, I must choose what must be done with the remaining time that God has given me. After months of prayer and searching for his will, I must let go of my wish to build a new seminary here in North America. God has called me, at least as I can best discern it, to other things. So, with some regret and even sorrow, I will put this hope down, trusting that in the providence of God that others will be build up the ancient foundations in this area so vital for the church. In the meantime, however, I will state as succinctly as possible what needs to be done. That is the purpose of this essay, to set forth a vision for an Anglican School of ministry.

A Vision for an Anglican School of Ministry
Anglicanism took characteristic form in the 16th century as part of the Protestant Reformation. Its goal was to establish a reformed Catholicism in England whose primary norm was Scripture with roots in the teaching and practice of the universal church of the first few centuries. If Anglican theological education is to remain true to its roots, it must reflect the wisdom and practice of those centuries. To that end, let me sketch a few aspects of that early history.

An Historical Overview
After the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the coming of the Spirit, the early Christians set out to proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. They entered a non Christian world, a world dominated by the Roman Empire, pagan religions, and sophisticated philosophical systems. They conquered that world through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Spirit. They cast out demons and healed in the name of Christ. They led holy lives, loved God in the wonder of their worship, and formulated rigorous systems of theological thought. Within a few hundred years, Christians had transformed the ancient world into a new form, a Christian civilization which lasted up to but not including the present era.

As Christians encountered the ancient pagan world, they developed certain ways of life which enabled them to prevail in an alien environment. Among these forms, certain features were critical. First, they preserved the Scriptures as the apostolic witness to Jesus Christ, believing Scripture to be the authoritative Word of God. Second, they came to an orthodox understanding of Scripture as they combated false interpretations of the Bible. Third, they developed organizational forms, the ministries of the laity, of deacons, priests (presbyters), and bishops. These ministries were to be led by godly persons, known for their holiness, wisdom, and commitment to Jesus Christ. Fourth, they developed beautiful and powerful liturgies which set forth the risen Lord Jesus in ways that raised the heart and mind to God. Fifth, since their converts came from the pagan world and were accustomed to worshipping idols, consorting with spirits, and corrupted by immorality and lusts, they required that new converts enter the catechumenate prior to baptism. This spiritual process included teaching, the scrutinies, and the exorcisms. Further, they taught initiates how to grow in grace by adopting such disciplines as worship, prayer, study, confession before a priest, deliverance, lectio divina, contemplative prayer, and spiritual direction. Sixth, they developed rigorous theological systems that enabled the church to set forth Jesus Christ in ways that countered alien forms of thought. These theological ideas were summarized in Creeds and used for worship and education in the faith. Seventh, they developed disciplinary measures by which bishops and general councils excluded false teachers and grossly immoral persons from the fellowship of the Church. Eighth, they engaged the intellectual component of the culture, the philosophy, literature, and political thought of their day. Finally, the church of the first few centuries set out to transform their world, their civilization, their towns and cities, into an image of the Kingdom of God. They believed that all of life, social, economic, personal and political, needed to be transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. One form this commitment took was the establishment of monastic orders which provided a social, economic, and spiritual alternative to the wider society.

The critical claim of this essay is this: We no longer live in a Christian world. We live in a pagan, post modern world. In this world Christian assumptions about God, morality, and the nature of truth, no longer hold. We cannot, for example, expect people today to be convinced of the gospel simply by fine teaching or erudite sermons. These are important, but they are not enough. People today need the transforming power of God in their lives, and if students are to speak to their culture, they need a theological education that not only equips them intellectually, but also introduces them to the active power of God. In the Christian world of our recent past, people did not resort to the occult or practice pagan rituals. Now they do. Certain moral norms were once universally accepted. They no longer hold. As a result, many students today have been damaged by their lifestyle and involvement with the occult or drugs. They need healing and the liberating power of Christ as part of their theological education. Some centuries ago, the biblical world view reigned virtually unchallenged. Now, discoveries in science together with non Christian perspectives inherent in contemporary social and economic systems, challenge the Christian world view. Students today, if they are to be apologists for the Christian faith, must be taught a Christian world view that is faithful to Scripture yet responsive to culture.

The critical point of this essay is that our world, the world we live in today, is not unlike the ancient world with its pagan powers and naturalistic philosophies. Therefore, if we are to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ today, we can do no better than to learn from the church of the first few centuries.

Implications for Theological Education
What would a school of ministry look like that recovered this ancient heritage and expressed it in a contemporary idiom? First, like the ancient church, as well as the great churches of the Reformation, it would be centered in Jesus Christ and the preaching of the gospel. Such a school would hold to the supreme authority of Scripture as is the great evangelical tradition. Second, like the ancient church, the school would embody the best of the ancient liturgies, spiritual practices, and disciplines. Third, it would return to the world view of the New Testament and the ancient church. In this view, there is a spiritual world, a world in which God miraculously intervenes, a world of spiritual forces, the devil and his angels, a world in which the Holy Spirit baptizes believers and gives them authority to conquer the world, the flesh, and the devil through the mighty name of Jesus. At the same time, it would recognize that we live in a post modern culture in which Christianity must take account of culture, especially the results of science. Fourth, many students have been wounded by their pagan way of life. Opportunities will be given for healing, for deliverance, for spiritual direction and counsel, and for spiritual growth through worship, study, small groups, and mutual accountability. These would be a part of the curriculum. Fifth, there would be opportunities for mission, first and foremost evangelism, the proclamation of the gospel, as well as ministry to and for the wider society. Finally, the faculty would not only need to know their field, they would be expected to be spiritually engaged. They would need to be living the Christian life with its disciplines such as corporate worship, daily prayer and study, spiritual accountability, and openness to healing in all dimensions. They would teach their courses spiritually, that is, not only as a matter of information, but also as a means to God and the formation of his people. They would, for example, pray with and for their students and they would be willing to share their testimonies.

In light of these considerations, we have the following: the characteristics of the school as a whole, its curriculum, and the requirements of the faculty and administration.

Characteristics Of An Anglican School
Committed to Jesus Christ as the only Lord and Savior
Committed to the decisive authority of Scripture
Open to receive the Spirit, his gifts and fruit
Committed to the catechumenate and daily spiritual disciplines
Anglican in outlook but open to all Christians
A servant of the Church for the training of her leaders
Liturgical, combining order with freedom of worship
A place for healing, deliverance, spiritual direction, service, and love
Committed to the norms of a godly life
Open to an engagement with culture and the search for truth
Led by those who are spiritually mature and competent
Kingdom minded, transforming society by the gospel

The Mentor Program
Provides opportunities for practical ministry for students
Mentors students in the practices of ministry
Provides spiritual direction and healing for students
Works with the school to integrate learning and practice

Expectations of Faculty and Mentors
A strong commitment to Jesus Christ
Open to the work of the Holy Spirit
Dedicated to the process of the ancient catechumenate
A commitment to the disciplines of the walk with Christ
Willing to retreat at least once a year
A thorough knowledge of their subject in the context of the faith
Excellent teachers or mentors who teach as witnesses to Christ
Willing to pray with and for students
Committed to on-going study and spiritual growth
Active in their local church
Willing to work with staff and others to develop programs

Expectations of Students
A strong commitment to Jesus Christ
Open to the work of the Holy Spirit
Dedicated to the process of the ancient catechumenate
A commitment to the disciplines of the walk with Christ
Willing to retreat at least once a year
Sufficient ability to do the work of their degree program
Willing to study and to receive spiritual direction and healing
Active in their local church

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An Anglican School

Theology