[Daniel] Aleshire says no single story can possibly explain the current status of professional preparation for church, denominational and educational leadership. There are \u201ctoo many multiple stories that move in different directions.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Seminary education has been moored atop two primary pillars: higher education and the churches and denominational structures of the community of faith. Both moorings are experiencing their own \u201csignificant change.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
\u201cHigher education is dealing with a lot of pressure,\u201d\u009d says Aleshire. \u201cCultural questions are being asked what they weren\u2019t asked 25 years ago: \u201d\u02dcIs it worth the money? Does it make the contribution needed in American and Canadian cultural society?\u2019\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Fundamental changes blazing through North American religion, and a wilting assumption that affordable access to theological education is assured, leaves seminaries taking blows from two sides.<\/p>\n