Training Tomorrows Pastors

Dear Pastors

Something isn’t working very well in the Pastoral Ministry vocation in NZ. Many good and dedicated pastors have walked prematurely, others are thinking of walking as I write and still others are holding on but they are not happy in their work for a whole range of reasons.

There are of course a number of factors that contribute to this not least of which is the spiritual malaise that has gripped our country and most of the western world. Though I agree that our ministry context is very challenging, I am none-the-less of the view that what we are doing at the ‘front end’ or ‘at the gate’ needs to be reviewed with some urgency. I am talking about our training and preparation (or lack thereof) for vocational pastoral ministry. I am worried about what the Academy is producing.

Before you leap to the wrong conclusion I want to be quick to say that I am a believer in the importance of The Academy. Systematic and in-depth study is crucial especially the study of the Bible. That said, I think it’s time we have a nationwide conversation about:-

1. The model the Academy is working with and the content of its programmes.
2. Modes of delivery.
3. Who is primarily responsible for the training and formation of Pastors?
4. The difference between education and training and how that impacts on what we do?
5. What kind of person does the local church need?
6. A new vision for pastoral leadership and ministry.
7. And many other things………

To that end I am calling for interested people to contribute to this conversation by writing a paper. Writers will be asked to first submit a 100 word summary of their content. All papers will be collated and published in a ‘note book’. Some papers will be invited to be presented at the symposium on the 19th February 2020.

The unique aspect of this Gathering is that Pastors and Educators/Trainers will be in the same room listening to each other and learning from each other. I can’t wait to see what God will do when we come together in a spirit of humility and mutual respect.

My hope is that a good representation of pastors (especially the under 40 year olds), bible college teachers and others in the training business will buy in. My hope is that we will have robust discussion and debate in a spirit of collegiality and mutual respect. My hope is that we will reach across the aisle. My hope is that we will go away with some new understandings, new thoughts and some action steps and above all I hope we will have made some new friends so that together we can see some positive change both in the Academy and in the Local Church for the sake of the next generation and for the sake of a watching world. My hope is that we could be a world leader in new and creative innovations in the ‘training space’.

Details

Summary of papers due on the 15th October 2019

Completed papers due on the 30th November 2019. An outline for ‘papers’ is available on request.

Symposium on Wednesday 19th February 2020

• Hamilton. Venue TBC
• 9.00am – 4.00pm
• $60.00 tbc. (includes notebook, coffee’s and lunch).

Registrations available on-line at www.leadershipworx.org.nz by mid October 2019

In the meantime please don’t hesitate to be in touch. Questions and feedback are very welcome as are early RSVP’s. Email me at alan.vink@leadershipworx.org.nz

Please Note: This is an ‘open’ event and all interested people are welcome.

Hope you can participate?

Blessings

Alan

Announcements

“Where is hate Speech Going in NZ?” A 90 minute briefing with Prof Paul Moon in Tauranga and Hamilton on Thursday 26th September. All details and registration facility here.

The GLS 2019 gets underway on 4th October in 8 locations around NZ. All info here.