Moving Seminary to Church Campus a Disturbing Choice

November 2, 2012

11:13 AM

Photo Courtesy of Saint Paul School of Theology

Saint Paul Kresge Chapel

The Anna C. Kresge Chapel has been a familiar landmark on the campus of Saint Paul School of Theology.

I am deeply concerned by an article in the United Methodist Reporter, quoted in United Methodist Insight, which tells of the move of Saint Paul School of Theology to the campus and the circle of The Church of the Ressurection, in nearby Leawood, Kan.

Institutes of higher learning, and seminaries in particular, should be as free as possible to foster thought, investigation, and seeking. While the Church of the Resurrection has an impressive record of growth and of good works, it is still the product of one powerful and determined intellect, the Rev. Adam Hamilton, its founder and senior pastor.

Saint Paul Gets Questions Above Planned Move

Without even meaning to, Rev. Hamilton will influence what goes on at Saint Paul by the mere fact of his presence as landord and the presence of his particular church as the example set before the students. I agree with most of Rev.Hamilton's stated theological positions insofar as I know them, but I find his style not supportive of the Wesleyan church as I see it and cherish it.

I grew up nearly next door to Saint Paul School of Theology and have loved it for its daring, for the extent to which those associated with it made me think, hard, about what I had previously (and thoughtlessly) assumed.

I suppose this move of seminary to church is a done deal, and I mourn it. To me it represents one more place of fermenting thought apparently lost to the big business model of the mega-church. Alas.

Comments (4)

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St.Paul's

My concern is that the mega-church is not the only model of church, nor is the numbers-based score the only way of valuing. I attend an old urban church, blessed and burdened with a huge network of building. We will never make the $$ increases that the mega-church model expects, nor will we have masses of people swarming to our pews. But we continue to work toward a Wesleyan vision of the church IN the world, seeking ways to help those the world would like to ignore, trying to offer acceptance and a place at the table for all God's creatures. We are a seeking,exploring church, looking for the ways God wants us to go and be, and we understand that $$$s and numbers are not the way for us.
I don't think that many seminarians should be looking to the 6-preachers-and-giant-campus model as what they should aspire to achieve. That may work in some places, but it is the not seeking, learning Christianity for me and for many others. It is not "the way ministry is done" for everyone.

Anne Ewing more than 11 years ago

Saint Paul Scool of Theology

I was shocked and disappointed to hear that Saint Paul School of Theology is moving to a church campus even though it is a mega church. I am also wondering if the theological inquirey process might be compromised. What about the cost of all the renovation work that has taken place in the last few years? It seems that money was spent for naught. It saddens me. wt3
PastorPam Deeds

Pam Deeds more than 11 years ago

St Paul's

On the surface, it would appear that the proposed move may be what the seminary needs - it would provide a new burst energy and the opportunity to see first hand how ministry is done.

Tom Wussow more than 11 years ago

style?

What does Ms. Ewing find objectiionable about Rev. Hamilton's "style?" Rather than just filling bandwidth, the article should have included that information. What is Ms. Ewing's alternative? The school was going to close.

Creed Pogue more than 11 years ago