In memory of Ross and Gloria Kinsler

This obituary is just a small reflection on the legacy of Ross and Gloria Kinsler from the perspective of the theological education by extension community. Much more could and should be said about the decades-long partnership of Ross and Gloria Kinsler’s ministry. The name Ross Kinsler is intrinsically linked to theological education, in part due to his writings and advocacy work on theological extension education. Initially, Gloria focused her time on raising their children and being involved in the church/community. However, this is not the whole story. In Guatemala, both were considered parents of the TEE philosophy and outreach, as well as writing texts, workbooks, and study materials, and teaching and facilitating small group learning. Here, the focus is on the ministry of Ross and Gloria Kinsler, specifically concerning TEE. Both Ross and Gloria had multifaceted ministries and interests informed by their time in Central America, which included advocacy work; both were involved in the sanctuary movement and co-published books such as The Biblical Jubilee and the Struggle for Life and God’s Economy.

Theological education by extension, TEE, is and always will be linked to the name Ross F. Kinsler because of his early influence on the idea, conceptualisation and practice of extending theological education beyond the wall of the residential school. The movement to increase access to theological education happened over a period of time and involved many individuals. Ross was part of the team that developed TEE, starting in Guatemala and then swiftly expanding to promote TEE globally.

Ross is the great thinker and intellectual of TEE, both as theorist and academic, but equally – and true to the nature of extension education – as an experienced practitioner. Another title that belongs to Ross Kinsler is that he is the great TEE promoter, who tirelessly advocated for TEE across the globe. He did so while in Guatemala at the Evangelical Presbyterian College of Guatemala, the Guatemala Centre for Studies in Theological Education and Ministry, as Assistant Director of the PTE (Joint Program for Theological Education formerly the Theological Education Fund), and when he worked for the extension centre of the San Francisco Theological Seminary in Southern California.

Ross and Gloria Kinsler arrived at the birthplace of TEE, the Evangelical Presbyterian College of Guatemala, which belonged to the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala (IENPG), in 1964. This was the second year of the extension program, which started in 1963. Kinsler was initially sceptical about the extension idea but quickly saw the immense value of extending theological education outwards from the seminary to the places of residence of those church members who equally needed equipping and empowering. The Kinslers worked in Guatemala from 1964 until 1977, a total of 13 years. In Guatemala, he was deeply involved in promoting TEE, especially through his work as editor and contributor to the “Extension Seminary Bulletin,” which served as a key connector of TEE practitioners worldwide. Afterwards, Ross Kinsler moved to Switzerland to join the Program for Theological Education (PTE) of the World Council of Churches. In this time, Kinsler continued to tirelessly promote TEE both through the WCC journal/bulletin “Ministerial Formation” and also through the publication of one of the key early publications on TEE: The Extension Movement in Theological Education (1978) and Ministry by the People: Theological Education by Extension (1983). Another key publication is Diversified Theological Education: Equipping All God’s People (2008), in which Kinsler lays out his compelling vision for extending access to theological education through TEE or other methods of diversified theological education. Ross Kinsler always had, maintained and promoted a broad vision of theological education that is not limited to one form of education only; in that regard, is should be considered a trailblazer for a broad and inclusive vision of theological education.

The Kinslers leave behind a legacy of seeking and promoting the extension of access to theological education for everyone-everywhere, while at the same time working tirelessly for the broader renewal of theological education to serve God’s people fully. The extension movement is greatly indebted to their legacy and vision, and both will continue to be the foundation of the extension movement in theological education.

Additional information, from the Presbyterian News Service, as well as a link to the memorial service, can be found here: Mission co-workers Ross and Gloria Kinsler are remembered for their hospitality and for their support of undocumented refugees.

TEENet recently republished a complete Anthology of Extension Seminary Bulletins due to their ongoing importance for the extension movement.