This post is part of a series based on chapters from the new Church of God book by Jerry Hickson, Are You Sure You're Right? (For more information see my review).
I found chapter 5, "Is a Call All That it Takes to Be a Pastor", the most frustrating section of Dr. Hickson' book. While his discussion is valid it is out of place in the book since it has nothing really to do with the relationship between Evangelicals and the Church of God. Instead it reflects one of the author's deepest concerns (as he is a college professor), and I suppose he figured that he should take advantage of his book being published and therefore include this chapter.
The point Hickson, is trying to make is that we struggle with the requirements necessary for someone entering into career ministry.
Within the heritage of the Church of God we find a paradox concerning ministerial education. Since the very beginning, leaders in the Church of God have often held ministerial education in low regard. Others established Bible college and liberal-arts colleges with a vision for formal ministerial education. (p. 58)
Apart from the inappropriateness of this chapter within the context of the entire book, Hickson has correctly identified an unresolved tension within our movement. We uphold the ideal of Spirit-directed leadership, and we resist the rigid human structures common to many denominations. But, as a result of our reactionary stances, we hinder ourselves from developing the well-equipped leaders that we desperately require.
I, myself, have some very strong opinions about and recommendations for ministry training and preparation, and hope to expand on them someday in a separate blog post. But, for now, I will state that I am somewhat dismayed over the low standards that we have set for those entering career ministry. Unfortunately, we have many pastors that have an inadequate education, minimal leadership skills, and/or a high degree of personal and relational immaturity. Seminary degrees or tougher credentialling standards will not magically make everything better, but these are all components that can contribute to enhancing the process. Ultimately, it may require some new paradigms on how we develop pastors.
3 comments:
Lloyd-
I totally agree that this chapter doesn't seem to belong within this book, and that this discussion/dialogue is something important that those of us with ChoG heritage have done a poor job wrestling with. I wrote a bit about this earlier:
When the heart rules the mind
Additionally, as a person called to ministry in Higher Education, I've been wrestling a lot with the nature of "Christian" colleges:
In the news, part 1
I'll be interested in reading when you expand on your thoughts later.
Thanks again for facilitating this conversation!
I agree with Kevin, to a point. If degree programs (especially at the undergraduate levels) change too much, the institution risks losing accreditation and becomes irrelevant outside of being a vocational school for the pastorate.
Again, I wonder if the Church of God and her institutions need to join the larger conversation about what is the purpose of Christian Higher Education: goals, audience, methodologies, etc.
I agree, though, that the seminary experiences that I had at Anderson were some of the richest and most fulfilling of my life, and prepared me for ministry (congregational and unconventional). However, it is still frustrating to talk to folks in our movement who believe that the SoT should be more of a vocational or trade school (teaching "how to...") rather than a program which prvides a deep and rich foundation in God and His Word, from which all ministry must spring.
$.02... Thanks Lloyd!
Formal education is a must for other "professions". Why should it be different for vocational ministry?
I am a teacher and had to face rigorous steps to gain employment and also must continue in professional development/education each school year. Does this mean that the Spirit cannot help me to see the positive or the negative educaitonal theories? NO. Just because one in vocational ministry is required to have formal education in doctrine/theology does not mean that the Spirit cannot guide as he/she seeks to interpret God's word and minister to their congregations.
I am all for education!!!
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