The word ‘seminary’ doesn’t usually conjure up images of forward-thinking people out to change the world. Images that come to mind may tend toward the isolationist, introspective, and introverted—some of which are true, and necessary for a good theological education. But in a changing world, a seminary that is not adapting to new needs and realities, while remaining faithful to the call of God, will not be able to provide for the church of today, let alone the church of the future. 

“As for the future, your task is not to foresee it, but to enable it,” said Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in his famous work, The Little Prince. To that end, Fuller trustee Andy Crouch and President Rich Mouw have been working on a project dealing with “The Seminary of the Future.” (Learn more at future.fuller.edu.) As the topography of the church landscape shifts from central, denominationally-led movements into something more networked and ecumenical, Crouch and Mouw recognize that the seminary, like any other organization, is an ecosystem. It requires adaptability, or else it will wither and become irrelevant.  

More than ever people are entering seminary with less of a clear view of a life-long career, but with a sense of calling that may lead them to hold several different careers, even simultaneously, while in ministry. What does that mean for the seminary of the future? Students are going on to work in churches, certainly, but also in non-profits, schools, church planting – some are coming not to work in churches at all, but to be better theologically educated right where they are. At Fuller, we are working to prepare these students with that diversity in mind.

At the core, however, will always be the Great Commission that Jesus gave: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Fuller Theological Seminary was founded on the notion that there must be a place that would educate Christian leaders for the work of furthering the beauty and goodness of the Kingdom of God. And that, despite the times, will never change. 

-- Laura Ortberg Turner