Continuing Theological Education for Clergy in the South East Zone: An Assessment and Framework

Continuing theological education for clergy remains a significantly underdeveloped professional development area in Nigerian church life, with many ordained ministers receiving no structured educational development after initial seminary training. This study assesses the state of continuing theological education for clergy in the South East geopolitical zone and develops a practical framework for its expansion. A professional assessment design was adopted, with surveys administered to 100 ordained clergy from Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal traditions across Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi States. Structured interviews with ten theological educators and five denominational education secretaries provided qualitative depth. Findings reveal that 74 percent of surveyed clergy received their last formal theological education more than seven years ago. Barriers to continuing education include cost, distance, time demands of ministry, and the absence of locally accessible programmes. Online and blended learning interest is high but digital literacy gaps are significant. The proposed Continuing Theological Education Framework for South East Clergy includes four certification tracks: pastoral theology, biblical studies, church leadership and administration, and social ethics. The framework proposes diocesan learning hubs, annual residential intensives, and accredited online modules. Expert review confirmed the framework's feasibility and professional relevance. The study recommends adoption by the South East Christian Leadership Forum as a joint denominational initiative.

Keywords: continuing theological education, clergy development, South East Nigeria, denominational training, professional framework