Sean Lucas always provides interesting posts - that's an understatement - posts that are meaty and full of both detail and analysis. Check out his review of Mark Noll's latest book, and this terrifying post on what makes for a successful ministerial career in the US.
I'd be interested to know if there is any link between the themes in these posts. How did the theological crisis of the 19thC shape church culture in the 20thC? It seems to me that, despite any supposed theological crisis, pastors or ministers have retained their power and influence to the present day in the vast majority of our churches.
While power and influence are inticing, I fail to meet the necessary requirements to be a senior pastor. By the time I have 10 years ministry experience, I'll be over the hill (over 40), I'll probably be on incapacity benefit (starting to feel twitches in funny parts of my body), and I'll still be footloose and fancy-free.
2 comments:
Can't help but compare and contrast the so-called requirements for the American Pastor with what the bible suggests.People are first and foremost, I believe- looking for authenticity-does the Pastor really believe the message he preaches-is he promulgating the importance of living our lives as a race-the one the Apostle Paul refers to? Rather than focussing on what the people want-why do we not try focussing on what God requires? I am sure Paul knew his onions when he said. "Do not let the world sqeeze you into its mould" and I quite believe that being a Shepherd of the Sheep can best be realised when we look to the "Great Shepherd." The verses of 1 Tim 3:1-7 do give guidelines but it's fascinating that at the beginning of the first chapter, Paul identifies the importance of authenticity-"...from faith that is genuine." (1 Tim 1:5)"We do not curry favour with men; we seek only the favour of God, who is continually testing our hearts."
Interesting site. Useful information. Bookmarked.
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