Abstract

Much more pervasively than its neighbour to the south, Canada has undergone a dramatic process of secularization since the 1960s. The ensuing marginalization of the mainline churches within society has, however, had only a limited influence in reshaping theological education. The paper offers a brief historical survey and analysis of theological education in a major Protestant denomination, and examines the extent to which the past continues to influence the present. It presents several case studies of contemporary theological education within different contexts. Drawing extensively on recent North American literature on church growth and renewal, it assesses the strengths and weaknesses of these programmes in meeting the adaptive challenges of a new pluralist, post-Christian culture. In conclusion, a number of insights derived from the historical study of religion and society are put forward to enable theological education to address more intentionally and effectively the changed cultural context.