Excellent synopsis David. I liked the tough questions, especially this one, "Are church leaders ready to stop interrogating anyone who values justice as a ministry pillar, suspiciously wondering if their motives are coming from some source other than the Bible? Will they begin to realize their own limitations in exegesis and application of all Jesus and the Prophets taught us, instead of holding quasi-iquisitions of those who are in Hannah’s words, "discovering the wrong they were born to make right, leading them to experience who Jesus really is”?"
Thanks, Andy. I wrote the whole thing first without the "tough questions"... but when I read it back I had that nagging "so what?" thing in my head... so thus those questions, for myself as much as anyone they are tough.
Re: multivocational--If I were in charge of an undergraduate ministry prep program at a college/uni, I would partner with a community college and/or vocation training entity. First two years would consist of learning a skilled trade (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, construction, cutting hair, doing nails, etc) with some Bible courses online or in the evenings/weekends. Make it a five year program if necessary. I'd rather our pastors finish an undergrad degree with zero debt, the ability to hit a community in a trade, and work/launch/volunteer/cut teeth in a church. They could become tent makers domestically with street cred inside and outside the church.
interesting... I think you might be onto something--the idea of a "trade" in particular, not just another liberal arts degree but the vocational training thing. I do think most in those trades often need to WORK A TON to make a living--or they "only make money when working" kind of thing with limited benefits. (My wife is a hair stylist so know that from her)
However--I think you've got the right idea.
My thinking for the long run is more that those who are already in a career they are called to--but they ALSO on top of that are engaged in disciple-making and launching a church. That is what StartAMicro@gmail.com is equipping people to do.
Yes, my comments are for those contemplating/entering ministry at the front side of their careers. We had a plumber out to the house a few weeks ago. He stated the average age for a plumber is 45. His hourly rate was $85 and that is in a rural area. I like your take on rethinking church plants and disciple-making. We have to be open to new opportunities and methods that are still Christ-centric.
Extremely helpful information especially the future of the church. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! I am interested to be part of the Church Planting Ministry if I am worthy to be part of your vision. https://www.faimission.org/
Excellent synopsis David. I liked the tough questions, especially this one, "Are church leaders ready to stop interrogating anyone who values justice as a ministry pillar, suspiciously wondering if their motives are coming from some source other than the Bible? Will they begin to realize their own limitations in exegesis and application of all Jesus and the Prophets taught us, instead of holding quasi-iquisitions of those who are in Hannah’s words, "discovering the wrong they were born to make right, leading them to experience who Jesus really is”?"
Thanks, Andy. I wrote the whole thing first without the "tough questions"... but when I read it back I had that nagging "so what?" thing in my head... so thus those questions, for myself as much as anyone they are tough.
Re: multivocational--If I were in charge of an undergraduate ministry prep program at a college/uni, I would partner with a community college and/or vocation training entity. First two years would consist of learning a skilled trade (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, construction, cutting hair, doing nails, etc) with some Bible courses online or in the evenings/weekends. Make it a five year program if necessary. I'd rather our pastors finish an undergrad degree with zero debt, the ability to hit a community in a trade, and work/launch/volunteer/cut teeth in a church. They could become tent makers domestically with street cred inside and outside the church.
PS. I'd really like this approach for all undergrad liberal arts students, but especially ministry majors.
interesting... I think you might be onto something--the idea of a "trade" in particular, not just another liberal arts degree but the vocational training thing. I do think most in those trades often need to WORK A TON to make a living--or they "only make money when working" kind of thing with limited benefits. (My wife is a hair stylist so know that from her)
However--I think you've got the right idea.
My thinking for the long run is more that those who are already in a career they are called to--but they ALSO on top of that are engaged in disciple-making and launching a church. That is what StartAMicro@gmail.com is equipping people to do.
Yes, my comments are for those contemplating/entering ministry at the front side of their careers. We had a plumber out to the house a few weeks ago. He stated the average age for a plumber is 45. His hourly rate was $85 and that is in a rural area. I like your take on rethinking church plants and disciple-making. We have to be open to new opportunities and methods that are still Christ-centric.
Great stuff David, thanks for the review of Future Church ideas. Pretty much takes my breath away.
Thanks for letting me know--yes it's a whirlwind of things happening!
What else do you think the future of the church will or should hold?
Extremely helpful information especially the future of the church. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! I am interested to be part of the Church Planting Ministry if I am worthy to be part of your vision. https://www.faimission.org/
thanks much