Ok folks, this is the question burning in my soul.
If you believe in God and God’s call, and also see the church as diminishing, then, to me, this is the ultimate question.
If we can figure out why God is calling pastors, we can figure out what God is calling pastors to…(hint: Its probably a form of ministry that is not church-centric)
If we can figure out what God is calling pastors too then we can figure out how Christianity is being re-formed. God is calling people towards the kingdom, towards the future, towards tomorrow. If we can figure out what people are called to, we will have a sense of where God is leading us.
If we can figure out who God is calling to be pastors, then we can figure out how to equip them, and create education opportunities to match. The methods of teaching that fit these people, and the kind of skills they need are a good guide as to what kind of training tis going to be needed for the future, not just to the ordained, but to the general lay population as well, because the needs probably mirror each other pretty well.
I want this to be seriously considered, I want to do a doctoral thesis on it, I want churches everywhere to think and pray about those who are being called to ministry.
I for one DO believe God is still calling pastors, so the question is, how is God’s call shaping us now, this second, this moment.
Ready! Go!