by Amber Simpson, Entrust, WWMT mid-Atlantic regional leader
Welcome
Congratulations. Welcome to the crossroads. I’m so glad you’re here. Your vision to create something new is leading you to acquire tools, tackle challenges and venture into new educational territory. Come on in, pull up a chair and let’s grab a cup of something hot. It’s my joy to greet travelers like you and to share some insights about the paths ahead.
At the crossroads of Christian leadership, you may find yourself weighing formal and nonformal educational options. As your guide, I’ll lay out some distinctives of the formal and nonformal educational paths. We’ll discuss reasons to pursue one or the other and their benefits and shortfalls. Finally, I’ll leave you with some final words of encouragement, for these paths do not present a means to an end. These paths represent a journey of transformation that will require diligence to persevere, faith to believe in the unseen and companions to challenge and encourage you every step of the way.
Formal education
Let’s begin with the path of formal education, such as a college or seminary. Formal education offers a structured and systematic approach to learning with regulated standards and trained or licensed teachers. You would likely be required to have previous education and acceptance into a degree or licensure program. Upon completion of your studies, you would be awarded a license or degree testifying that you met the required standards and achieved a level of competency. Some of the benefits of this path include learning from leading experts in your field, developing relationships with like-minded adults and undergoing rigorous learning activities. However, it can cost a considerable amount of money and time.
Nonformal education
Looking down the path of nonformal education, you will find a variety of contexts and possibilities. Some key features include adult learning environments addressing practical situations, a diversity of learning methods, and local resources made available to you. Nonformal education might include specialized training such as evaluating your current ministry activity, reflecting on new content in a small group, then re-evaluating activity in light of principles discussed. It can include casual discipleship groups offering deep dialogue based on a class or sermon series. Finally, seminars or continuing education trainings are examples of nonformal educational opportunities. In addition to content, learning is built on learner participation, practicing new skills and coaching. While you may receive a certificate of completion, nonformal education will not hold the weight of a degree or license awarded from a formal institution. Because the cost and time commitment are considerably less, nonformal education is generally more accessible than formal education.
Nonformal learning: one example
One specific example that I’ve found particularly impactful is Entrust’s Women-to-Women Ministry Training. Some of the values of this model include learning from a certified facilitator along with a diverse group of like-minded adults committed to a similar purpose. Women learn together in groups of limited size – generally 10–12 participants – so that each person has the opportunity to participate in group discussion. This approach offers women opportunities to practice new skills in a small group with coaching and feedback.
WWMT develops biblically equipped women who are not considering a profession that requires formal education. For example, if you oversee a group of women in a church, ministry or work setting, you might be considering ways to multiply leadership skills in the women you serve. How could you teach a small group of women to go out and teach others? In 2 Tim. 2:2, Paul encourages, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Many times, women serve, figuring things out as they go, but never feel equipped. They may not see themselves as guides, but more likely as survivors. When women are equipped with the tools, practice and coaching offered in nonformal educational settings, they learn what works and why it works. This competency and confidence leads to equipping others who will be able to teach others also.
Often women are asked to lead a small group or Bible study but feel ill-equipped. Nonformal Christian education may be right for them. It bridges the gap between participating in ministry and leading in ministry. Engaging in a Bible study does not always equip us to systematically study the Scriptures for ourselves, create lesson plans or lead discussions. Participating in small groups rarely equips us with the skills to write open questions to initiate dialogue, address group dynamics and disciple others as small group leaders. These skills require some new content, practice and coaching. Why wander in the fog, when a map, flashlight and guide can make the journey a little more enjoyable and fruitful?
Formal or nonformal? Let your end goal guide you
While each educational path offers distinct benefits and drawbacks, your final purpose may inform you as to which one is required. In Christian leadership, the positions of pastor, college professor or counselor require (or strongly encourage) a seminary degree or state license. These positions are often regulated by the state, educational or church standards. For example, to practice as a licensed professional counselor, you must comply with the licensure standards of your state. To teach at an accredited Bible college or seminary, the accrediting board requires all professors to hold a terminal degree. Finally, pastors are highly encouraged, if not required, to earn a seminary degree to learn the original biblical languages, preaching skills and doctrine. While nonformal education may complement or hone these skills, a formal education is required for the job.
Formal education: be aware of the pitfalls