Mennonite Weekly Review

It’s great when our educational institutions train non-Mennonite men and women for pastoral ministry. But where are our own denominational leaders coming from? We should train any person called to Christian ministry, but we should also excite more of our own denominational members to the challenges of pastoral service and church leadership.

The home, the church and our own educational institutions should reassess their role in the area of developing conviction for the preparation of men and women for the pastorate.

One aspect of this approach would be for current pastoral leadership to become more aware of the gifts and potential of their own youth and young adults for Christian ministry. Who should know them better?

Every congregation might put this need on the front burner and give it priority. At least one person could be chosen among you periodically and given support through encouragement and/or financial help to get further training.

Perhaps ordination could happen, if appropriate, before going for training. At least one or two years of further preparation would be helpful, with the understanding that the person would come back home for a three- to five-year internship of guided experience. The person might then become pastor of the sending congregation, or become available to serve in other locations, or continue in additional training.

Perhaps ordination, rather than being life-long, might be for shorter periods of time and changing vocational patterns.

We must have a plan. This approach would deal with call, training, financial assistance as needed, and placement.

Too many seminary students must go through the uncertainties of these steps alone, and may become discouraged along the way. Teachers, nurses and members of other professions know to what and, many times where, their education might lead them. Why not ministers?

It has been estimated that about 50 percent of seminary students go to seminary to find spiritual help, which is commendable. But can we increase the reason for seminary to a definite calling to an intentional, directed preparation and beginning location for service?