A Theology of Recruiting and Admissions

Basic Assumptions

• Every seminary is on the "spectrum" - Spectrum of church --> academy
• Not for-profit educational institutional ministry so what does persuasion/appeal/sales/marketing look like
• We have to make a case for our institution, yet...
• We are not doing traditional sales
• Therefore, what is our approach?

"Compel them to come in?"
(Lk. 14:23)

Insult the competition?

Wait and pray?

Hard sell? Corporate business tactics?

So What Are We Doing?

• Advocating for the cause of the Gospel
• Specifically through the mission of the church and the call of the kingdom

Implications

• We do not want men and women here that God isn't calling here, and, in most cases, that God isn't calling into ministry
• BUT, a healthy and thriving CTS is an important part of the fabric of the church in our land
• The need is great, so much greater than we often realize...

Therefore, a healthy theology

Healthy Theology, cont.

• Recognizes value and dignity of every person (inquiry, applicant, visitor, matriculant)
• Has ability toecognizes differing types and levels of giftedness
• Discerns aptitude for *study,* not necessarily ministry skill, though you can never separate the two too much
• Commits to service throughout the process

Healthy Theology, cont.

• Recognizes that we are not the church, but partner closely with church(es) through collaborative kingdom work