Training Pastors (cont.)

Tim asked a while ago what I'd include in pastoral preparation studies that isn't there now.

Some things I'd like to see in our study programme:

1. An emphasis on more practical ministering/service skills - discipleship, mentoring, community building, relationship building, interpersonal skills.

2. An invitation to every single church (cross-denomination) in the area to send a leader/pastor to discuss with the students what challenges they face in their church, community and pastoral life. A requirement that the students attend their churches at least twice (or more) to see "what other people do" and open their minds to various options of what's possible. Questions & Answers with the leader after attending to clarify the why's, how's and what's.

3. A greater emphasis on personal spirituality and a deeper connection with God. As the student's biggest study priority.

4. Exposure to future trends - required reading of websites, blogs and books across all belief sectors (whether you agree or not with what's said). Openness to these ideas and brain-storming sessions on how to apply inspiration gleaned. Discussion of pro's and con's of what's learnt.

5. Ministering to the dechurched, happily unchurched and non-seekers without trying to get them "in the club". Meeting cultural groups where they are with acceptance and an open mind. How to involve your congregation in this too.

6. Fundamental Bible principles of Christianity (not just local doctrine) and individual testing/comparison with other beliefs to define one's own beliefs. Biblical models of pastoring, shepherding, ministering and how these should be applied today.

7. "Empowering the priesthood" or "working yourself out of a job" and "the art of supported delegation" - helping each member become a minster to their circle of friends, family and acquaintences.

8. Alternatives in worship - yes, the alt.worship scene, but also investigation into ancient worship practices, personal worship, corporate worship, how other churches view worship and what they're doing, and options to facilitate multi-generational, multi-need worship. Going deeper than a songservice and escaping the order of service trap (both rampant locally!).

9. A greater use of mentors one-on-one - those that are doing it now, out there living the life the students are preparing for. From year one, not as a post-script to graduation or internship.

10. An investigation into each student's reason for pastoral study - why they chose this, what they expect it to be like, what they think they'll get out of it, and what they see for the future. Defining their visions, goals and dreams within the framework of what they've chosen.

11. More than one preaching method/style taught so that students don't come out a carbon-copy of the guy that does all the Homiletics courses...and please make it culturally relevant! Preaching to African rural folk the same way you preach to urban yuppies will not reach either of them! Use of narrative, creative use of presenting a message, other than just words or a 3-point outline with a conclusion.

12. Include spouses where appropriate in "training as a team" - how to deal with the lifestyle that ministry demands, and how to cope with the fact that the pastor will not be the only "pastor" in the family, but that the spouse may be expected to be one too in duty or availability. Ministering as a family in the community. Family spirituality and man-wife-God relationship.

13. "How to take off your tie" - being a part of the community, not above it. Leading from within, paradigm shifts and alternative models of leadership.

...to be continued...