Barnabas File

In previous posts, we have looked at the context in which future clergy leaders will serve, one in which resources may be more limited, but there are options for those who are open to them. There are still churches with strong traditions on which to build.     The challenge is that they may no longer have full-time pastors.     We have also looked at the people who are training for pastoral roles in churches and realize that their numbers are declining.     We have also seen that these ministers in training bring specific gifts to ministry—some with strong life experiences and some with a focused approach to ministry.    Here are some possibilities for the future.   Large congregations that are stable and have adequate resources will continue to seek out pastoral leaders with Master of Divinity degrees as a minimum expectation but will most likely search for a Doctor of Ministry or Ph.D. graduate (or equivalent).  More will be open ...

I ironically refer to May 8, 1970, as “the day I knew everything.”  After three years of study at  an accredited theological seminary, I received a Master of Divinity degree and was ready to launch into my first full-time ministry role.  Of course, this was not true, and I realize that no one at the seminary I attended ever promised me that I was.   A theological education is important.  I have had the opportunity teach classes at two seminaries and serve as an adjunct faculty member at another.  But I have discovered that engaging in Christian ministry requires lifelong learning and some unlearning.   To its credit, the Association of Theological Schools understands that ministers find themselves being asked to do things that they never learned in seminary.   In an article published in the Pinnacle Leadership Associates e-news in January, I provided a brief overview of a study conducted by ATS that suggests a disconn...

In recent years, seminaries have made many changes in their basic degree program, the Master of Divinity.  This degree has traditionally prepared individuals to serve churches and is required for ordination in many denominations.    The number of hours in the program have been reduced, and most schools offer a full degree online. Even so, the enrollment in MDiv programs has declined.    During the same period, Master of Arts programs have grown. Some of these have provided basic theological education for those who will serve churches in specific areas and have designations such as the MA in Christian Ministry, Christian Leadership, and Educational Ministry.  Other programs are more oriented toward research and may be designated as the MA in Theological Studies or Biblical Studies.  Some programs are professional in nature such as the MA in Counseling or Christian Counseling.   Concentrations and options continue to multiple, bu...