Integration

David has approached his research with academic rigour, strong biblical connection, and an earthed pastoral formation focus. Integration is well-positioned to be a readable, appreciated discussion partner for those navigating the challenging but fulfilling task of equipping Christian leaders in ways which demonstrate coherence between theological values, character formation, and ministerial skills development.

Allan Harkness, PhD
Asia Graduate School of Theology Alliance, South East Asia

This book is pivotal in making significant biblical reflections on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, thought-provoking in engaging with the global scholarship, and renewing in its analyses of the processes and principles of integration. A vital resource, which will surely inspire kingdom-concerned educators to realise ways in which the current practitioners of theological education should embrace change with authentic biblical understanding!

Jessy Jaison, PhD
New India Bible Seminary, Kerala, India

Integration and theological education are complex topics, and Wright navigates well through the growing body of literature, creating helpful summaries, critiques and taxonomies for analysis as well as identifying gaps and making some original proposals.

Marvin Oxenham, PhD
London School of Theology, UK

There are few more challenging issues in training people for Christian ministry than the transformative integration of head, heart, and hand. We can know good things, feel good things, and do good things: but they need to be integrated in our lives and ministries, not disintegrated! David Wright’s book helpfully names the problem, points to the Bible to find the way forward, and gives practical advice on how to achieve it. May many follow where David has led the way.

Peter Adam, PhD
Former Principal,
Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia

The early claim in this very interesting work – that despite a sustained interest in the integration of objectives in theological education for some time, there is a lack of biblical reflection on the issue – is surely true. This book goes a long way towards redressing that lack. This is the richest study of the subject I have read. Theological education would be greatly blessed if it were read by teachers and discussed by faculties, across the world.

Graham Cheesman, PhD
Honourary Lecturer,
Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland

The task of providing appropriate ways of developing “faithful people” for Christian service or scholarship has been daunting for theologians and educators. Wright has produced a book that has added a critical yet biblically and theologically sound voice to the task of integration. In his work he presents a framework to many of us who are in such a situation. Reading this book presents hope and a path towards becoming the teachers Christ wants us to be.

John Jusu, PhD
Lecturer,
Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya

This is a timely book for evangelicals since it provides a biblical basis for holistic development, in a time when there is an explosion of knowledge, and some pedagogical intervention is needed. This book provides helpful ways to think about integration using biblical insights from Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, insights that should be deepened and embedded in practice. More books of this kind are needed, to make a commitment to support student learning for meaningful theological education.

Marilyn Naidoo, PhD
Professor in Practical Theology,
University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Editor of Making Connections: Integrative Theological Education in Africa

This is a remarkable book. It addresses the issue of integration, one of the key challenges in theological education, and it makes a contribution beyond what has been said so far. The argument is based on solid exegetical work. This biblical foundation is the core contribution of the book. It is undoubtedly highly relevant for the development of theological education.

Bernhard Ott, PhD
Chairman, European Council for Theological Education
Faculty, European School of Culture and Theology, Korntal, Germany

David Wright has done the global church a great service by providing such a clear, compelling, and – above all – biblically informed vision of theological education as part of God’s purposes for his church. In this very readable work Dr. Wright brings the careful exegesis of Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus intodialogue the full range of theories concerning theological education today. The result is not only enlightening and challenging, but also genuinely refreshing to the soul. This book is a must-read for anyone involved in training others for Christian ministry – or indeed, for anyone who simply believes that the bible should not only be normative for the content of our ministry formation, but also normative for the shape of that formation.

Mike Roe, PhD
Lecturer,
George Whitefield College, Cape Town, South Africa

How are academic studies and practical learning to be integrated? In this engaging book, David Wright draws on the letters to Timothy and Titus to help us to think more deeply about this question of the integration of theology, skills, and character in theological education. Since these three Pauline Letters say so much about godly character, leadership, training, personal example, ethics, and mission, Wright’s work leads to much wisdom and insight about ways to enhance integration in theological education. This invaluable book is a must-read for anyone interested in theological education today!

Paul Trebilco, PhD
Professor of New Testament Studies,
University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

1. Acknowledgements
2. Part A: The Current Scene
1. Grappling with Integration
2. Current Voices on Integration
3. Part B: Integration in the Letters to Timothy & Titus
1. What Is Integrated in 1 Timothy?
2. What Is Integrated in 2 Timothy and Titus?
3. The Process of Integration in the Letters to Timothy and Titus
4. Part C: Looking Forward
1. Integration in the Light of the Letters to Timothy and Titus
2. Eight Principles for Integration in Theological Education
3. A Possible Way Ahead
5. Bibliography