The historical development of Theological Education by Extension (TEE) in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, Southern Diocese, 1990- 1997.

Abstract

The ELCT Southern Diocese is recognised by the ELCT as having made substantial and exciting strides in Theological Education by Extension (TEE). It has further acquired the reputation of having a strong philosophical commitment to the cause of the TEE programme and of having a conviction regarding the importance of TEE as a means of improving Christian education among its members as well as increasing the number of church workers. The TEE programme has been running since 1990 when the ELCT Southern Diocese embarked on the TEE philosophy transformation. TEE is considered capable of playing a major role in achieving TEE goals and aspirations. The year 1990, in particular, when the plan was launched, marks a concrete take-off point for the rapid improvement of adult Christian education especially for parish workers, on a kind of scale which had hitherto been unprecedented. This thesis is an attempt to document the spirit and substance of TEE development in the ELCT Southern Diocese. The scope of the different kinds of development that have taken place in TEE during this time is too wide to give a detailed and comprehensive treatment of the subject within the covers of a thesis of this size. An attempt is made to highlight the major features of TEE development in the Southern Diocese between 1990 and 1997. The thesis is supported by extensive reference to primary and secondary sources on TEE. Interviews with key informants from the various churches provide rich information. The thesis describes the TEE philosophy and policies behind the programme. The success story of the TEE programme is supported by a number of tables and the problems are given some possible solutions.