Peter, I think you're absolutely correct that the problems are much more complex and far-reaching. Seminaries (and colleges) all over North America are experiencing very low enrollment and I think we all feel the increased sense of "exile" that you mentioned.
And surely you are also correct that we all need to be responsive to the Spirit's conviction in the areas of sin that you mentioned and many others. It has been lamentable that we have had to focus some much time and energy on the topic of human sexuality--but please note that the focus has never been to condemn or reject those struggling with sexual sins, but to correct teachings that contradicted the Church's historical stance on a moral issue.
Tom, you named a real challenge regarding distance learning. There is no way to give students the same sense of close connection to peers/professors through distance learning programs and that's a disadvantage. Both CTS and the EPMC Facilitation Team try to be very intentional about creating spaces for students to connect in person (during intensives/connection trips) and online in ongoing formation groups, and I think that helps a lot. I myself went through a distance learning MDiv program and I found those intensive connection experiences SO rich and formative. But surely nothing beats in-person!
Ron, I appreciate those thoughts about how valuable it is for a congregation to really live into the priesthood of all believers instead of operating in complete dependence on a pastor. It's easy for the pastor/church relationship to get co-dependent! The Thrive staff advise search committees not to rush into filling the vacancy when a pastor leaves, partly for the reasons you named. A year or two without a pastor can really be valuable for a congregation to rally together, reassess their priorities and mission and start doing the work of ministry that they had always left up to the pastor! So I agree with you on all of that and also stand by the value of having someone who has studied and trained to do preaching and pastoral work leading, equipping and nurturing the gifts of the congregation.
Posted in: The CRCNA Leadership Landscape, Part IV: The Problem of Less Interest in Ministry
Peter, I think you're absolutely correct that the problems are much more complex and far-reaching. Seminaries (and colleges) all over North America are experiencing very low enrollment and I think we all feel the increased sense of "exile" that you mentioned.
And surely you are also correct that we all need to be responsive to the Spirit's conviction in the areas of sin that you mentioned and many others. It has been lamentable that we have had to focus some much time and energy on the topic of human sexuality--but please note that the focus has never been to condemn or reject those struggling with sexual sins, but to correct teachings that contradicted the Church's historical stance on a moral issue.
Posted in: Reflections on the Leadership Landscape of the CRCNA, Part 3: The Problem of Less Mobility
Tom, you named a real challenge regarding distance learning. There is no way to give students the same sense of close connection to peers/professors through distance learning programs and that's a disadvantage. Both CTS and the EPMC Facilitation Team try to be very intentional about creating spaces for students to connect in person (during intensives/connection trips) and online in ongoing formation groups, and I think that helps a lot. I myself went through a distance learning MDiv program and I found those intensive connection experiences SO rich and formative. But surely nothing beats in-person!
Posted in: Reflections on the Leadership Landscape of the CRCNA
Ron, I appreciate those thoughts about how valuable it is for a congregation to really live into the priesthood of all believers instead of operating in complete dependence on a pastor. It's easy for the pastor/church relationship to get co-dependent! The Thrive staff advise search committees not to rush into filling the vacancy when a pastor leaves, partly for the reasons you named. A year or two without a pastor can really be valuable for a congregation to rally together, reassess their priorities and mission and start doing the work of ministry that they had always left up to the pastor! So I agree with you on all of that and also stand by the value of having someone who has studied and trained to do preaching and pastoral work leading, equipping and nurturing the gifts of the congregation.