Asia Theological Association
As an educational development agency, ATA seeks to help institutions beyond accreditation. In recent times, ATA has sought to develop partnerships with other global bodies enabling a wider pool of experts and resource persons to provide consultancy in the following areas. Institutions seeking these services are requested to contact the Accreditation Secretary for further information. While some of these services may be offered as part of trainings and workshops, some may require an institution to pay a basic fee, or cover the travel and accommodation/meal expenses of the resource persons/experts.
Organizational Structure has to do with developing school structures and cultures that best facilitate the formation of Christian ministers. This begins with identifying and shaping institutional values that guide personal relationships, policies, procedures and programs. ATA may be requested to coach schools through this process of institutional renewal and organizational change.
Curricula and Program Development are more than the arrangement of courses and the shaping of syllabi. They have to do with the total learning environment of the school including practicum for ministry and spiritual formation. The objective is to develop a comprehensive plan for academic, ministerial and spiritual formation relevant to the future lives and ministries of students. ATA may be requested to assist faculty of the various disciplines in updating and expanding curricula. Assistance will also be given in examining faculty policies and needs in light of curricular changes.
Vision is essential if schools are serious about relevant ministries. Visioning is seen as a spiritual process of applying biblical values to the contemporary scene with the objective of producing an institutional strategic plan. ATA may be requested to guide participants through a strategic planning cycle for their institution.
Library Development involves both policies guiding management and acquisitions as well as personnel development for efficient operation of library resources. These include not only books but also other media and Internet resources. ATA may be requested to help by examining libraries, conferring with school librarians and making recommendations for development. Participation in national library associations will be encouraged.
Faculty Development recognizes that teachers are the greatest resource of the school. The objective is to have a faculty with the knowledge, values, maturity and experience necessary for the formation of ministers and scholars for the church. ATA may be requested to confer with the faculty and Dean and make recommendations for faculty development programs and policies.
Governance has to do with the exercise of authority and control and the system whereby authority and control are distributed. The purpose of examining governance is to study how the Board and the CEO may improve the leadership of the school. ATA may be requested to work with the Board and CEO in shaping patterns of governance for school development.
Finance ties directly to good stewardship. The objective is to review and improve the financial management and capacity of the organization. This involves accounting policies and procedures, financial reporting, auditing and budgeting. ATA may be requested to work with the school’s business office in reviewing and developing good practices of financial stewardship in the school.
Leadership Development for the church is a principal aim of theological education and thus requires special attention. Leadership is not just a course; it is nurtured in the culture of the school. Based on Christian principles, ATA may be requested to provide guide for faculty and administration in addressing principles of leadership development through modeling, mentoring, coursework, internships and extra curricular activities.
