Twenty years ago, the first comprehensive historical study of Protestant seminaries, a project still bearing fruit, originated at Auburn under the direction of its Dean, Robert Wood Lynn. Later Auburn sponsored research on ministers' continuing education, Doctor of Ministry degree programs, and theological publishing. In addition, Auburn has conducted evaluations for clients, including foundations and individual seminaries. Auburn's research experience, along with the many other completed studies, provides four important lessons for the design of future work. The immediate impact of much research is disappointing.
All schools are complex organizations and communities.
This may be even more true of schools where religious faith is regularly professed. Thus, rational research arguments have had limited impact on theological education. Nonetheless, research can have powerful effects. It can help to create conditions in which change may take root and flourish. It can call attention to possibilities as well as problems, subtly raising expectations and altering judgments and values.