I would add that the format of courses may need to adapt in order to allow pastors in the field. Many churches that need good young pastors are not co-located with seminaries. Therefore, the hybrid model must extend to both online classes and Two-week intercession courses.
I like a model that includes some intensive in person training, seminars, development, or conferences on campus. But practically speaking much of the coursework and curriculum should be available online.
Additionally, I would add that young pastors need a route to ministry. And that should include specific positions that are available to them as they are discerning God‘s calling on their life. The internship model must include reflective writing, reports, research, and papers to capture learning. This path should include youth pastor, worship, leader, or an assistant to associate pastor when appropriate. But pastors need a clear path, salary support, with a promotion schedule and possibly a succession plan. Tell young pastors how they can contribute and what the expectations are and likely outcomes over the next 5 to 10 years. That level of certainty is a grace to them.
I think this is right on and have been the product of this kind of upbringing in my home church in the Memphis area. The only thing I would say is budget for longer. Ministry and maturity take time. My timeline is certainly not the standard but just as an idea, I joined the ministry staff at almost 26, chipped away at school (MA through RTS online) while I worked full time at the church and started a family (I know y’all’s model is different in terms of bivocational). After my wife and I had 5 kids and I picked up loads of ministry experience (teaching, preaching, counseling, funerals, weddings, events, etc) I was ordained at 36, am about to turn 40, and I am one of the teaching pastors on our large staff that is preparing for the transition of our founding pastor in the next few years. When I was 27-34 I thought the process was taking way too long. Now that I’m almost 40 I appreciate it greatly . There are things we will tweak for the future but it has worked well for multiple younger men.
Thank you, I agree with your model.
I would add that the format of courses may need to adapt in order to allow pastors in the field. Many churches that need good young pastors are not co-located with seminaries. Therefore, the hybrid model must extend to both online classes and Two-week intercession courses.
I like a model that includes some intensive in person training, seminars, development, or conferences on campus. But practically speaking much of the coursework and curriculum should be available online.
Additionally, I would add that young pastors need a route to ministry. And that should include specific positions that are available to them as they are discerning God‘s calling on their life. The internship model must include reflective writing, reports, research, and papers to capture learning. This path should include youth pastor, worship, leader, or an assistant to associate pastor when appropriate. But pastors need a clear path, salary support, with a promotion schedule and possibly a succession plan. Tell young pastors how they can contribute and what the expectations are and likely outcomes over the next 5 to 10 years. That level of certainty is a grace to them.
I think this is right on and have been the product of this kind of upbringing in my home church in the Memphis area. The only thing I would say is budget for longer. Ministry and maturity take time. My timeline is certainly not the standard but just as an idea, I joined the ministry staff at almost 26, chipped away at school (MA through RTS online) while I worked full time at the church and started a family (I know y’all’s model is different in terms of bivocational). After my wife and I had 5 kids and I picked up loads of ministry experience (teaching, preaching, counseling, funerals, weddings, events, etc) I was ordained at 36, am about to turn 40, and I am one of the teaching pastors on our large staff that is preparing for the transition of our founding pastor in the next few years. When I was 27-34 I thought the process was taking way too long. Now that I’m almost 40 I appreciate it greatly . There are things we will tweak for the future but it has worked well for multiple younger men.