An Evaluation of the Concept of Seminary in Mission with Reference to the Latin American Adventist Theological Seminary

This study dealt with the Seminary in Mission (SIM) concept held by the Latin American Adventist Theological Seminary (LAATS), its current perception, and its degree of application in the five LAATS campuses. The creation of LAATS by the South American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1979 resulted in a reorganization and maximization of theological educational resources, including those at the undergraduate level. The SIM concept, adopted by LAATS at that time, indicates that faculty will carry out on-campus academic activities as well as off -campus field work with students on a weekly basis.

The implementation of this concept has been gradual. There was a need to evaluate the current understanding of the SIM concept and its application. The first part of this study attempted to develop a theoretical framework to obtain a criteria for an evaluation of the SIM concept. Biblical models for ministerial training (e.g., the schools of the prophets, Jesus and his disciples, Paul’s instruction to Timothy and Titus) were explored. In addition, instructuions contained in the writings of Ellen G. White were searched. The second part of this project attempted to make an evaluation of the SIM concept by means of comparative study between the theoretical findings of part One and the perceptions stated by respondents to a survey on the SIM concept. The evaluation of the SIM concept indicated that the concept itself is widely accepted. However, its degree of application appears to be uneven and comparatively weak. A suggested strategy based on one of LAATS’ campuses and some conclusions could provide insights to further implement the SIM concept in the territory of the South American Division.

Availability:
Free
Publication Date:
1992
Author:
Juan Millanao Orrego
Publisher:
Andrews University Press
Sutherland House
8360 W Campus Circle Dr
Berrien Springs, MI  49103

Phone: 616 471 6134 or 800 467 6369
FAX: 616 471 6224
Email: aupo@andrews.edu
URL: https://www.andrews.edu/universitypress
Order Information:
Completed through Andrews University.
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Unpublished Plans & Papers; Internet Resources
Resource Objective:
Research
Level:
Tertiary
Audience:
Researcher
Religious Origin:
Seventh-day Adventist