Spiritual Leadership Formation in Adventist Seminaries in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division

Abstract

Pastoral education in Southeast Asian Adventist colleges varies widely from one country to another. This variation needs to be minimized, perhaps by sharing ideas and developing a common curricular base. Since spiritual leaders need certain characteristics in order to lead the church, the curriculum for theological training should be carefully assessed and revised in order to better meet the needs of the church as a whole. Knowing, being, and doing are three areas that should be considered. The current programs are strongest on knowing, less clear on doing, and weakest on being. Transfer of learning from classes to the field needs to be improved. Multiple perspectives on needs should be considered in order to prepare pastors who are best qualified to serve God and His church.