Ministerial formation for service: Integrative theological education at Justo Mwale University, Zambia

Abstract

In ministerial training, effective integration of academic excellence,  spiritual formation and vocational training is critical to produce  holistically trained Christian leaders. This article positions integration  as an educational approach that attempts to coordinate  and synthesise the major learning dimension and can bring about  significant learning, since it takes account of the lifeworld of the student and engages a custom-designed curriculum. This article  reports on an empirical research project on integrative theological  education at Justo Mwale University, Zambia. It reports on various  dimensions within the formal and informal curriculum in the  residential Bachelor of Theology programme. The article provides key findings and a discussion on the contextual and institutional  challenges that shaped curriculum design. It reflects on the learning  gained through this action research and concludes with strategies to  move towards a more integrative model of theological education.