I still think seminary has the obligation to deeply form people in Scripture, theology, church history, pastoral care, etc. We are, of course, doctors of the soul, and we need to be able to carry the body of knowledge just as medical doctors do for physical ailments.
AND - we absolutely do need training, and training programs, for what the job *is* as a pastor, what we expect, how that is changing in today's church, and what skills are necessary to thrive in it.
this is all part of a changing system, and I think you are calling out something extremely important.
This is exactly the seminary training I had, it just turned out to be too cutting edge for the church that funded and support it. Ha! I really would live to audit an mdiv degree someday.... but the reality is it wouldn't help me make more money (i make almost none) or make people more confident in what i'm doing so.... it would be interesting and edifying but i also never project having that kind of time.
I would LOVE to see some of this be things the church keeps pastors during the whole of their ministry because everyone needs support and an outlet to find care and more training for things like that bombastic deacon at first baptist!
yes to all of these things!
I still think seminary has the obligation to deeply form people in Scripture, theology, church history, pastoral care, etc. We are, of course, doctors of the soul, and we need to be able to carry the body of knowledge just as medical doctors do for physical ailments.
AND - we absolutely do need training, and training programs, for what the job *is* as a pastor, what we expect, how that is changing in today's church, and what skills are necessary to thrive in it.
this is all part of a changing system, and I think you are calling out something extremely important.
I think that too! I wonder how the formation of the seminary + the practical hands on skills of the church can continue to partner together
This is exactly the seminary training I had, it just turned out to be too cutting edge for the church that funded and support it. Ha! I really would live to audit an mdiv degree someday.... but the reality is it wouldn't help me make more money (i make almost none) or make people more confident in what i'm doing so.... it would be interesting and edifying but i also never project having that kind of time.
I would LOVE to see some of this be things the church keeps pastors during the whole of their ministry because everyone needs support and an outlet to find care and more training for things like that bombastic deacon at first baptist!
Love this Sierra and watch out for bombastic deacons! 😆