It might come as a surprise that the typical student at a theological seminary only applies to one school. While there are always exceptions, the data from the Association for Theological Schools (ATS) suggests this conclusion. In other words, a typical prospective student isn’t comparing Winebrenner to another school but is considering the decision to attend in comparison to other aspects of life such as the availability of time, family commitments, ministry commitments, and financial cost.
This directly challenges the traditional view that we are in competition for students with other schools. Not only does a typical student only apply to one school, but the school they apply to often has some familiarity to them prior to applying. That familiarity likely developed through a connection to a graduate, church, or counselor who had a positive experience at Winebrenner.
This speaks directly to the heart of the Kingdom mission of Winebrenner Seminary. Our “industry” doesn’t just include other seminaries but is inclusive of churches, counseling centers, church camps, and other kingdom and mission oriented organizations. The title of this post suggests a shift from thinking about the work of Winebrenner exclusively in terms of the academic industry (theological “higher” education) and considering the discipleship focus of God’s kingdom mission (theological education).
As we dig into this idea deeper, in the coming weeks we will be exploring other shifts such as:
Thinking about admissions as spiritual discernment;
Considering the role that academic advising plays within mentoring/coaching;
Exploring how teaching students in a classroom can look more like discipleship;
And, finally, how a seminary can change from making students “jump through hoops” to removing obstacles to fulfill the Kingdom mission of Jesus.
- Brent C. Sleasman, President