As we approach the event, I would love to hear what our Fusion pastors are thinking about and considering sharing at the forum. Maybe we can dialogue a bit on this blog ahead of the event, and refine some of our thoughts to be shared.
For me, one of the most significant things we must revision in our church is ministry training and licensure. I am increasingly frustrated by the layers of red-tape, individual cost and time required for our young ministers to obtain licensure. I believe that our movement must find a way to open the doors to young men and women who feel the call to ministry, and not over-burden them with excessive financial fees and unnecessary hoops to jump through.
I am sympathetic of the need for qualified and well-trained ministers; however, I am deeply concerned that our church is laboring with an outdated model that is unnecssarily complicated. I have had many young ministers ask me "why they should go through the process?" In an hour when our church is losing many of its young leaders, we must find a way to simplify the process and lessen the cost. If our church is to remain viable in the years to come, we must embrace and pave the way for young ministers to engage and to be included in the ministry of the church. Ministry training and licensure reform is not necessarily a very trendy topic, yet is a vital link (IMHO) in the reinvigoration of our movement. This is an issue that I intend to raise at the listening tour. I would love to hear your comments on this and other possible topics for discussion.
- Clayton
Fusion pastors, what say you?
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My concerns would include Health Insurance and Bi-vocationalism. Many young ministers I know are tremendously hindered in their ministry by needing to work secularly in order to have insurance for their families. It seems to me that the explanation we were given at the GA was lacking. I realize that we have a majority of older ministers and that they are not the most desirable group to insure, but I find it hard to believe we will ever appeal to young ministers if no benefits can be created to meet their needs.
ReplyDeleteGood thought, James. The health insurance issue is a tough one indeed. I am not sure how we could make it happen, but who knows, maybe there is a way. It is really hard for so many of our pastoral families...
ReplyDelete- Clayton
Guys,
ReplyDeleteI agree that insurance is a hot topic.
One issue that could make an appearance at the Listening Tour is the idea of denominational ownership of local church property. Years ago, I heard Paul Walker address the need for the Church of God to consider an “associate membership” concept that would allow local independent churches to unite with the Church of God without signing over the deed. According to him, our current structure is the sole issue that keeps MANY churches from uniting with us, and therefore, hinders our growth as a movement. I would guess that it would be a pretty tough sell to ask a group to give away their building. While there may be many sticking points to this consideration, I bet it would make for some good discussion at the Forum.
I think there is no realistic way to offer health insurance to our pastors. The money has to come from somewhere. I just don't think it's there...in this economy or in good times.
ReplyDeleteBeing bi-vocational with insurance at a secular job is probably about the best option for a pastor of a church in transition.
Guys... on a side note.... are any of your spouses attending with you?
ReplyDeleteMy spouse has to work, we need the insurance
ReplyDeleteMy wife plans to go to Tampa with me. I hope I can get her to a meeting with me - to keep her out of the mall! Seriously, she will be there and we are bringing her dad, as well. Hope to see lots of you guys there! And don't forget about our reception!
ReplyDeleteLinette is planning on coming as well. See you guys tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteNo objections to "associate membership" but I'm ambivalent at best. Growth through assimilating other flocks doesn't move the needle of the Kingdom overall. Comes off as being just a gimmick to bloat the numbers at the GA. I'd rather see an influx of young men and women around our altars seeking and responding to a genuine call of God.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, are our churches nurseries for the development of the next generation or museums enshrining a way of worship and service that is obsolete? Are we so bankrupt that our best option is to recruit from other denominations and non-denominations? Where have all the preachers gone?
James,
ReplyDeleteI think the value of associate membership is in shared resources and cooperative missions. With that said, I do not think we should be counting new affiliates as "church plants" or "new churches."
I'm looking forward to hearing the highlights from today's tour. I couldn't get back into to town in time...chatted with a couple guys. But, looking forward to a good rundown of the day.
ReplyDeleteI thought the event went well. I was pleased with the opportunity and the openness of the forum. I felt that the Dr. Culpepper and the Executive Committee were pretty transparent with the answers they gave to direct questions.
ReplyDeleteI was impressed by the level of discussion given to the issue of racial reconciliation and consolidation in the CoG in FL. I think there is a real push toward consolidation, and I think we may see it in the next few years, if not sooner.
I was also pleased to hear that the issue of reforming the ministerial licensure process is being given high attention by the Exec. Committee. This is a pretty important deal for the future of our church, and it seems there is a groundswell of support for making the process simpler, shorter, and cheaper.
Any other comments from you Fusion Pastors?