Missionary and national leaders' perceptions of present and future relationship between Bible college and church in Southern Asia Assemblies of God.

摘要

The research is driven by a passion to understand the present and future relationship between the South Asia Assemblies of God Bible colleges and the church in the context of collaboration and effective service.; The semi structured ethnographic interviews, in the USA, South India, and Sri Lanka, of 27 leaders provided thick descriptive data. An equal number of missionaries, church leaders, and educators were interviewed one time in English, for about two hours.; The data were coded under eight major domains and further into taxonomic levels. The phenomenological analysis focused on the experiences of the leaders. Contrasting sets and rank ordered lists were independently generated.; Owned by the Assemblies of God Division of Foreign Missions, and operated by national educators, the Bible college today is seen as a difficult structure to support by the growing South Asian church, still an outside onlooker.; The future shape of the church included explosive growth and a missionary vision. The multiple staff phenomenon and the growing strength of the church should be reflected in the Bible colleges. Consultation and partnership were the keys to the Bible colleges. The role of the church pastor as a teacher and strategist is underdeveloped.; Spiritual disciplines, practical experience and relational skills were identified as significant values. The focus on the faculty is weak. The visions included church centered leadership development and innovative delivery systems.; Thematic analysis indicates that the Bible college has a low context high content emphasis. The educational issues included the integration of theory and practice, indigenization, and bilingualism. The most frequently quoted Bible passage was Eph. 4:11, 12. The figures of speech used by the leaders opened doors of understanding.; A symbiotic relationship between the church and the Bible college is needed. Prior history in the church and orientation towards people was vital for the graduate to successfully serve the church. Character and attitudes were consistently valued above skill. The graduate today is seen as academically stronger, but weaker in the area of practice and relationships.; Specific recommendations, further research propositions and a postscript end the work for the present.