THE INSTITUTE FOR THEOLOGICAL AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (ITLD)

WELCOME TO THE ITLD'S WEBSITE

WHAT IS THE ITLD?

In March 1989, the Synod of The United Church made the decision that alternative approach to the delivery of theological education should be embarked on.  In preparing person for Ministry and Mission the United Church recognized that the mission of the Church embraced the needs of the total person, the total program of the Church, and the needs of communities.  In this regard, the training began for persons who would be engaged in pastoral ministry, youth ministry, guidance and counselling, the lay pastorate, and church and community work.

Registered as a Tertiary Institution with the University council of Jamaica, the Institute is a learning by doing model of theological education based on Action/Reflection.  At the heart of the training is the immediate transfer of learning of the context of ministry and mission.  Two programmes, the B. A. in Theology and the B. A. in Guidance and Counselling, have been accredited by the University Council.

The Traditional Model – The model of preparation for ministry which centres largely on institutional academics presented in the classroom, has been the dominant model of theological education for years.  It is an approach which places emphasis on lectures, research, class presentations and written examinations as teaching methodologies.

While useful in some respects, this model has limitations.  There is little emphasis on practical exposure to the contexts of ministry and guidance and counselling in which candidates will be expected to function.  ITLD saw it necessary to consider another way which combines theory and practice.

Copyright © The Institute for Theological and Leadership Development  2003
This site was last updated: February 08, 2005 .

Site designed and managed by Mark A. Jonas

Created Saturday December 13, 2003