"Theological Education demonstrates how churches and seminaries can cooperate through a competency-based learning approach to ministry preparation--that is, competency-based theological education (CBTE). CBTE focuses on the mutual mission of the church and theological education: developing followers of Christ who flourish in their vocations. This first book-length treatment of CBTE lays the groundwork for expansion and refinement as theological schools and churches move together in partnership, exploring: principles that ground successful CBTE cooperation, such as collaborative mission, contextualized discipleship, and holistic assessment; and practices that a CBTE approach requires, such as affordable programs, flexible technology, and continuous improvement. Using the CBTE model means seminaries can provide practical ministry training together with churches who invest in the theological education of those who minister among them" -- publisher's website.