Hearing this I’m once again glad to be Presbyterian (PC USA). I served on our Presbtery’s Commission for Preparation for Ministry, COM. We had so many young people in the process of seeking to become candidates for ordination that we had to meet monthly for two hours just to meet with each one annually. No matter how I was feeling before one of these meetings, I was filled with joy and hope after them. In addition, each candidate is also under the care of a local church. We invite those under our care to preach, give them financial support, help guide and encourage them through the journey of seminary, pastoral care internships, etc. Some of our budding pastors are seeking traditional church settings, but others are creating and developing important alternative ways to expand the boundaries of ordained ministry.
Perhaps off topic, I might also add another factor that influences the decline: pay levels. We expect pastors to pour out their lives in myriad ways but then make it near impossible (or plain impossible) for them to make ends meet. That added stress can’t be ignored.
Meanwhile, you’re right. When I was a young pastor, no one was building into me, or laying out a vision for my growth. They would just “dump” the undesirable parts of their job on me. Or hold tightly to the functions I needed to grow in, or be mentored in. It was almost like there was a scarcity mindset/competitive spirit to it. As if their growing me would mean less for them.
The sad irony is that I learned in the business world - not the church - to identify, build into, and develop potential leaders who would grow into your role and eventually replace you. Admittedly, I was surprised and disappointed when pastors didn’t behave this way.
Women also need mentoring by female pastors.
Hearing this I’m once again glad to be Presbyterian (PC USA). I served on our Presbtery’s Commission for Preparation for Ministry, COM. We had so many young people in the process of seeking to become candidates for ordination that we had to meet monthly for two hours just to meet with each one annually. No matter how I was feeling before one of these meetings, I was filled with joy and hope after them. In addition, each candidate is also under the care of a local church. We invite those under our care to preach, give them financial support, help guide and encourage them through the journey of seminary, pastoral care internships, etc. Some of our budding pastors are seeking traditional church settings, but others are creating and developing important alternative ways to expand the boundaries of ordained ministry.
Thank you Mike . Kris’s comment is also very important
Perhaps off topic, I might also add another factor that influences the decline: pay levels. We expect pastors to pour out their lives in myriad ways but then make it near impossible (or plain impossible) for them to make ends meet. That added stress can’t be ignored.
Meanwhile, you’re right. When I was a young pastor, no one was building into me, or laying out a vision for my growth. They would just “dump” the undesirable parts of their job on me. Or hold tightly to the functions I needed to grow in, or be mentored in. It was almost like there was a scarcity mindset/competitive spirit to it. As if their growing me would mean less for them.
The sad irony is that I learned in the business world - not the church - to identify, build into, and develop potential leaders who would grow into your role and eventually replace you. Admittedly, I was surprised and disappointed when pastors didn’t behave this way.