The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology
Total
Community Formation 2006-07
Guests:
Ed & Anne Wimberly
The School of
Theology has grown so rapidly that our curriculum is not
offered through a program that provides flexibility to a
large adult market. The school now offers classes during
a regular day or traditional hours (TH) program and thorough
a Non-traditional program (NTH) where students take classes
on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
In an effort
to maintain our strong identity, clarity in mission, educational
ethos and consistency in programs of student formation,
the seminary has three required gatherings a year for students
in both the TH and NTH programs. Guests from the larger
academic arena are invited to the campus to lecture and
share with students in series of three meetings that take
place at the beginning of the Fall, Winter and Spring Terms.
All faculty, staff and students join in a total community
gathering where, in the words of our Dean we “worship
authentically, study diligently, practice faithfully and
dream deeply.”
Our task in the
preparation of persons for ministry is further defined by
our mutually shared challenge:
The
Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology of Virginia Union
University is a center of convergence where things come
together: head and heart; preparation and praise; church
and academy; pulpit and pew; scholarship and spirituality;
reflection and action. In this place of intersection, minds
are stretched, excellence is pursued, gifts are cultivated
and people are transformed. In an environment that feels
like family and affirms the intrinsic worth of all, we educate
in a manner that fosters a commitment to life-long learning,
genuine service, and holistic liberation. We strive to send
forth capable and empowered persons who have been inspired
by both the acquisition of academic knowledge and skills
and a renewed sense of self and spirit. While celebrating
our heritage and culture, we seek to serve the world and
while honoring traditions, we encourage creativity and unfettered
imagination.
This year, our
focus for Total Community Formation is to merge connections
between what we see as needs of students, our ongoing discussions
about the role of the middle passage in shaping curriculum
revision and the gifts that our guests bring to those discussions.
The following topics claim our attention:
