Theological education in the Lesotho Evangelical Church : a descriptive analysis.

Abstract

This dissertation presents a descriptive analysis of theological education in the Lesotho Evangelical Church, focussed largely on the work of Morija Theological Seminary. The dissertation provides an historical overview of the Lesotho Evangelical Church‘s work of theological education, and describes analytically various elements of and the roles of participants in preparation for the ordained ministry in the Lesotho Evangelical Church. This project proceeded as an organisational case study, and employed enthographic tools such as participant observation, documentary research, focus group interviews, and semi-structured individual interviews over the course of approximately two years between 2005 and 2007. Specific areas of investigative concentration included Campus Life and General Course of Study; Contextual Applicability of Pastoral Skills and Knowledge; Field Education; Christianity in Culture; Poverty; and HIV and AIDS. This dissertation presents data and discussion related primarily to findings in the first of these areas, and investigates data related to worship life, governance, and interpersonal relationships at Morija Theological Seminary as they relate to the educational task of the institution and its role within and connectedness to the history, life, and organisational structure of the wider Lesotho Evangelical Church. Findings are presented in conversation with Michel Foucault‘s presentation of the development of ―delinquency‖ in Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison, and within the context of assertions about normative relationships within Christianity and theological education, including Craig Dykstra‘s suggestion that theological seminaries should be "communities of faith and learning." The descriptive analysis and accompanying research data are presented as the first step of what Don Browning has called "fundamental practical theology."