Course Description

Why do churches often value character in leaders more than academic achievement, while theological schools prioritize the opposite? This thought-provoking session confronts the growing gap between what theological institutions emphasize and what churches and society truly need.

Through live polling, vivid metaphors, and challenging questions, Marvin examines the “four horses” of theological education—academics, ministry skills, spiritual formation, and character education—and argues that character formation is the inner horse that keeps the whole chariot on track. Participants will explore what character and virtue education actually mean, why it matters for the church, and how schools can move from good intentions to intentional, informed action.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify major crisis factors facing theological education, including disconnection from faith communities and resistance to change.
• Evaluate the relative place of academics, ministry skills, spiritual formation, and character education in their institutions.
• Explain the difference between character, personality, values, and virtue.
• Define character and virtue education as an intentional and informed effort to shape moral character.
• Distinguish character education from spiritual formation while recognizing their significant overlap.
• Analyze the concerns churches express about leadership training, character, and theological education.
• Develop a vision and manifesto for making character and virtue education central to their institution.