College, seminary theology programs adapt to train lay leadership

Published: 2004-06-29

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- To respond to the growing need for lay church leaders, college and seminary theology programs are putting a strong emphasis on formation programs for lay pastoral associates and making sure their programs are practical and accessible. Universities are graduating a "new generation of well-educated, well-prepared and spiritually grounded ministers," according to Michael Horan, who currently chairs the advisory board for the Office of Pastoral Associates of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Horan chaired a committee to revise Loyola Marymount University's graduate theology program and was part of the collaborative efforts among Loyola Marymount University, Mount St. Mary's College and St. John's Seminary to examine how their master's degree programs could better form new pastoral associates. As a result the schools offer three distinct master's programs for lay ministry. Loyola Marymount University's department of theological studies now offers a master of arts in pastoral theology for pastoral associates and lay ecclesial ministers with core classes in biblical, historical and moral theology and systematics; theology electives in pastoral theology; an integration seminar, where students integrate their academic learning with their ministry; and a pastoral synthesis project.

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