The Missional Church and Leadership Formation

“If local churches are to be engaged in the missio Dei, what kinds of leaders are needed? The varied authors here provide historical, theological, and practical insights into why the answer may be different than it was a few decades ago. Can seminaries form those leaders? Possibly. Van Gelder takes us through historical models, from 'resident theologian' through 'pastoral director' to the more recent 'entrepreneurial leaders,' and ably frames why and how a missional ecclesiology needs to reshape how we form competencies that move beyond the early splits between theology and practice or between Wissenschaft and paideia. He even thinks the Holy Spirit has a role. Small, expanding on that later dyad, pushes on theology for theological schools. Other authors here provide case studies or other research regarding churches, leadership, and seminaries. Some emphasize that 'all God's people' need to be in view, several explore specific leadership typologies, and all keep us on the question of how we can best discern and participate in God's initiatives. There are historical and current reasons why this is so difficult — why churches and seminaries need new imaginaries for our work of leadership formation. I am grateful that these colleagues have engaged us, the church and the seminary, in these challenges.”

Mark Lau Branson