The CPBC UNITES (Unified Theological Education System) has become a paradigm shift in the systemic problem of our theological institutions. It was instrumental in the synchronization of diverse programs, divisive orientations and institutional culture. Through this breakthrough, we succeeded to formulate a standardized curriculum which promotes unity while maintaining respective peculiarities and specializations.
The bond of seminarians has been strengthened as the innovation has institutionalized the theological forum and fellowship of various seminaries and bible schools. It also resulted to faculty exchange and opened the door for volunteerism. National officers of the Convention Baptist Ministers Association (CBMA) volunteered to teach with the support of our association.
The CPBC UNITES continues to consolidate and synergize initiatives from various individuals, groups and institutions. There is now a venue for concerted effort, and exchange of ideas, dreams and visions. Likewise, it provides a link to the past, present and future. In one instance, we were surprised to discover that the CPBC UNITES has answered exactly previous needs and dreams of some leaders as culled from an almost forgotten document.Excerpt of which …the series of consultations resulted to some recommendations that paved the way towards the concept of unified theological system:
(1)Continuing theological education should be regularized and institutionalized on a ladderized scheme, with credits towards bachelors and masters degree, or certificate.
(2)Creation of Center of Allied Learning Institute for Life (CALL) composed of accredited faculty from various institutions to call the shot for unified system and to confer degrees to its graduates.
(3)Enrich and upgrade existing theological institutions
Another product of the CPBC UNITES is the Master of Socio Pastoral Ministries (MSPM). The degree is a combination of Master of Science in Social Work program and pastoral ministry courses. The mission of the MSPM program is to prepare graduate students for leadership roles in church, church-related institutions and community. Specifically, it is geared towards a healthy and balanced pastoral leadership, church administration and social/community services.
Recently, I received more benefits. While posting, I was inspired to integrate my other blogs to avoid hassle in maintenance. As such, I added pages to this blog and transferred posts from other sites. You may view them at the left corner. Pages are arranged under the acrostic PADAYON, as follows: Personal Note, Antipodes, Development, Advocacy, Yardstick, Opportunities, and Networking.
Showing posts with label unites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unites. Show all posts
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
CPBC UNITES: Synchronizing the theological system
The CPBC Unified Theological Education System (UNITES) is an attempt to bring together all existing theological institutions affiliated with the CPBC under one system. It is an offshoot of previous studies and initiatives of various organizations. Conceptualized by the Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns Committee, it was subsequently approved the CPBC Board of Trustees in 2007. Prof. Josita Alpha Jalando-on and Pastor Billy Reyes, president and vice president of the Convention Baptist Bible College, respectively took the lead. Other committee members were Pastor Georem Gutierrez and Prof. DZ Lariza.
Foremost of its direction is the setting up of standard and policies for all member theological institutions. This is in consonance with needs of churches and institutions and the requirements of accrediting agencies both governmental and denominational. It includes among others the standardization of programs & curriculum, the faculty and library requirements.
The design promotes interrelatedness of theological institutions thru mutual partnership with one another and with CPBC Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns Committee. A support mechanism for faculty & library upgrade, scholarships, financial sustenance, and administrative/technical expertise is included in the concept. Likewise, the monitoring and evaluation of the level of each member institutions. There is also a provision for the continuing education program for alumni of respective theological institutions.
The CPBC UNITES is a breakthrough to reverse the perennial trend. Theological institutions are left on their own without clear cut policies and procedures. There is no deliberate and systematic effort for assistance as well as consultation, monitoring, evaluation, permit or sanction by the national body. As such, there is no sense of accountability and established system of relationship. While belonging to one denomination, theological institutions do not have close connection. In almost all aspects, “each to its own” mentality prevails.
The trend results to more diversities than commonalities. Subsequently, there has been lopsided development. In most instances, the rich resources are concentrated on theological institution with small number of students while those with scarce resources have the bigger population and needs. Academically, while some have geared for quality education, others have maintained the status quo with less effort to upgrade the faculty and facilities.
The wrong concept of autonomy has aggravated the situation. As an institution, complacency has set in. Nobody seems to call the shot except those who personally take the cudgel individually or as a group. Although there has been initiatives, most often such experience natural death due to lack of institutional support, if not adverse reactions.
To be continued
Foremost of its direction is the setting up of standard and policies for all member theological institutions. This is in consonance with needs of churches and institutions and the requirements of accrediting agencies both governmental and denominational. It includes among others the standardization of programs & curriculum, the faculty and library requirements.
The design promotes interrelatedness of theological institutions thru mutual partnership with one another and with CPBC Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns Committee. A support mechanism for faculty & library upgrade, scholarships, financial sustenance, and administrative/technical expertise is included in the concept. Likewise, the monitoring and evaluation of the level of each member institutions. There is also a provision for the continuing education program for alumni of respective theological institutions.
The CPBC UNITES is a breakthrough to reverse the perennial trend. Theological institutions are left on their own without clear cut policies and procedures. There is no deliberate and systematic effort for assistance as well as consultation, monitoring, evaluation, permit or sanction by the national body. As such, there is no sense of accountability and established system of relationship. While belonging to one denomination, theological institutions do not have close connection. In almost all aspects, “each to its own” mentality prevails.
The trend results to more diversities than commonalities. Subsequently, there has been lopsided development. In most instances, the rich resources are concentrated on theological institution with small number of students while those with scarce resources have the bigger population and needs. Academically, while some have geared for quality education, others have maintained the status quo with less effort to upgrade the faculty and facilities.
The wrong concept of autonomy has aggravated the situation. As an institution, complacency has set in. Nobody seems to call the shot except those who personally take the cudgel individually or as a group. Although there has been initiatives, most often such experience natural death due to lack of institutional support, if not adverse reactions.
To be continued
Friday, March 4, 2011
Gains and Pains in Serving the Pastors (D): Institute
The idea or dream to set up an institute to offer degree courses through ladderized scheme was conceptualized by previous CBMA leaders long time ago. It was a response to the call for upgrading of Pastors’ education at all levels and updating their skills and specialization. There has been initiatives leading to this direction, although some experience natural death. One sustained project was the Institute for Advanced Theological Studies (IATS). Undertaken by the CPU College of Theology in partnership with the CBMA and CPBC, the program of studies has equivalent hours credit in the College.
During my term the challenge to reach the dream was intensified due to the pressing demands and favorable conditions. Foremost, my election to the CPBC Board and subsequent appointment as chair of the Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns (TEMC) Committee. There was relative unity between the leadership of the CPBC and CBMA National which led to the synchronization of programs and direction in CPBC and CBMA activities and leadership.
At that time, I was also serving as director of the University Outreach Center and coordinator of the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program. We opened an extension class which meet once a week at the Convention Baptist Bible College for Negros students. The experience made me integrate instruction with outreach and relate this to the CBMA dream. This, after pastors who were enrolled in the MSSW encouraged me to integrate social work courses in designing a masteral program for pastors. Moreover, some of us were teaching in a Korean seminary in Iloilo City which offered Master of Arts in Missiology. Learning from such experiences, we reflected on the question: Why can’t we design similar approach for a graduate studies program for pastors in the CBMA?
Completing the favorable condition was the approval of the CPBC Unified Theological Education System (UNITES). It was conceptualized by the TEMC, with Pastor Billy Reyes and Prof. Josita Alpha Jalando-on, as lead. Previous studies and initiatives of various organizations related to continuing theological education were incorporated in the concept. Unanimously approved and endorsed during the 2007 CBMA National Assembly, it was subsequently approved the CPBC Board of Trustees for implementation.
Two breakthroughs were then undertaken namely: Formulation of Standardized Curriculum for CPBC-related theological institutions; and the Master of Socio-Pastoral Ministries (MSPM) program. Under the CPBC UNITES, MSPM classes are conducted in provincial centers by TEMC and CBMA. Participating theological institutions will grant the degree. Enrolment can be done simultaneously while attending classes or later. The program is student -friendly and very affordable, with only P500 as payment per semester/ summer plus contribution for transportation expenses and food of the faculty for four semesters and two summers. Starting in North Negros Baptist Bible College, learning centers were established in Central Philippine University, Ajuy Christian Development Academy, Antique Christian Center, Filamer Christian College, Convention Baptist Bible College, Asian Christian Outreach (ASCO), Lambunao, Iloilo and South Negros Bible Institute. The program was incorporated in the annual CBMA Institute and seminars of the Institute for Advanced Theological Studies.
During my term the challenge to reach the dream was intensified due to the pressing demands and favorable conditions. Foremost, my election to the CPBC Board and subsequent appointment as chair of the Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns (TEMC) Committee. There was relative unity between the leadership of the CPBC and CBMA National which led to the synchronization of programs and direction in CPBC and CBMA activities and leadership.
At that time, I was also serving as director of the University Outreach Center and coordinator of the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program. We opened an extension class which meet once a week at the Convention Baptist Bible College for Negros students. The experience made me integrate instruction with outreach and relate this to the CBMA dream. This, after pastors who were enrolled in the MSSW encouraged me to integrate social work courses in designing a masteral program for pastors. Moreover, some of us were teaching in a Korean seminary in Iloilo City which offered Master of Arts in Missiology. Learning from such experiences, we reflected on the question: Why can’t we design similar approach for a graduate studies program for pastors in the CBMA?
Completing the favorable condition was the approval of the CPBC Unified Theological Education System (UNITES). It was conceptualized by the TEMC, with Pastor Billy Reyes and Prof. Josita Alpha Jalando-on, as lead. Previous studies and initiatives of various organizations related to continuing theological education were incorporated in the concept. Unanimously approved and endorsed during the 2007 CBMA National Assembly, it was subsequently approved the CPBC Board of Trustees for implementation.
Two breakthroughs were then undertaken namely: Formulation of Standardized Curriculum for CPBC-related theological institutions; and the Master of Socio-Pastoral Ministries (MSPM) program. Under the CPBC UNITES, MSPM classes are conducted in provincial centers by TEMC and CBMA. Participating theological institutions will grant the degree. Enrolment can be done simultaneously while attending classes or later. The program is student -friendly and very affordable, with only P500 as payment per semester/ summer plus contribution for transportation expenses and food of the faculty for four semesters and two summers. Starting in North Negros Baptist Bible College, learning centers were established in Central Philippine University, Ajuy Christian Development Academy, Antique Christian Center, Filamer Christian College, Convention Baptist Bible College, Asian Christian Outreach (ASCO), Lambunao, Iloilo and South Negros Bible Institute. The program was incorporated in the annual CBMA Institute and seminars of the Institute for Advanced Theological Studies.
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