Response 4 of 5 for the 2008 Commissioner's Booklet.
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HOW WILL WE BE LEAD?
What suggestions do you have for identifying new directions for partnership between congregations, presbyteries, seminaries and the General Assembly in preparation for ordained ministry?
I must admit it feels odd to walk into rooms of clergy these days and be one of the “old guys.” At the ripe old age of 38, no longer am I the young turk that I had once been ;-) It is wonderful to see so many young adults starting to move into professional ordained ministry. These folks are grounded with a solid theological education, open to the movement of spirit and ripe to lead our denomination into the next stage of our life together.
There also seems to be a shadow side to the young clergy experience, aspects of their preparation for ministry that seem somewhat out of alignment with the greater culture from which they have come. There is a disconnect between who young clergy are culturally and the institution to which they are being called to serve. In the face of this situation, young clergy are left with few options: change, deal or leave.
Something must give.
Something must change.
I suspect it is the institution.
Over the last few years I have had the privilege of supervising interns, speaking at seminaries and generally hanging out with those who have entered the Presbyterian “care process.” While each seminarian’s experience will obviously be different, it seems like most are trying to reconcile a deep commitment to serve Christ with joy, hope, and relevance and the rapidly changing nature of church, call, and pastoral ministry.
While seminary nuts-n-bolts training is important, as we prepare folks for ministry I believe that we should focus on providing opportunities for seminarians to develop spiritual disciplines that will allow them to have a high level of pastoral agility in order to thrive in a changing world and church.
When it comes to specific focus areas, I think each entity involved in the process should consider the following:
- Encorage self-reflection by limiting gate-keeping postures and instead exhibiting humility and flexibility throughout the process.
If we are able to do these few things, I am certain, clergy of the future will serve with longevity and joy.
