Abstract

This article outlines a theological basis for the process of compiling a portfolio as part of a programme of ministerial formation. Such a task can often seem to the candidate rather like jumping through hoops, or gathering evidence merely for the sake of it. But I argue that it is properly understood as a theological practice, inviting reflection on who they are becoming in Christ. In philosophical literature, ‘gestures’ are understood as incomplete actions that correspond to some deeper truth. By framing the task of portfolio composition in the language of ‘gesture’, it is seen to be a vital practice in formation for public ministry, rather than merely an exercise in proving one’s readiness for ordination or licensing.

Highlights

  • This article outlines a theological basis for the process of compiling a portfolio as part of a programme of ministerial formation

  • Preliminary remarks: why portfolio assessment has a bad reputation. Those who oversee the training of candidates for public ministry in a variety of denominations will be familiar with the challenge of evidencing, and assessing, Corresponding author: Tim Gibson Email: Timothy2.gibson@uwe.ac.uk their experience and attainment of key professional skills and learning outcomes

  • I argue that portfolio composition should be cast in a different light

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Summary

Examples from ministerial formation

It was obvious to anyone who spent time with Peter[1] that he was a gifted minister, with much to offer his sponsoring church. I encouraged him to think of the portfolio in a different way: not as an exercise in gathering evidence but as a chance to interrogate his becoming in Christ Use it not as an audit of skills and experience, I suggested, but as a chance to tell a theological story about your formation. It bore little relation to the vibrant, loving disciple of Christ I saw before me It portrayed her as carefully executing the tasks before her with little openness to God’s grace surging through the cracks. The answer lay in a similar conversation to the one I had with Peter: tell us a story about who you’ve been, who you are and who you’re growing into Use these records as source material for your composition of self, understood in relation to God and God’s will for you. Ask yourself at every turn: who am I becoming in Christ’s company?

Telling stories
The incompleteness of experience
Getting time in proper perspective
Author biography
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