As many of you know (and I’ve bombed social media for a wee while now!) I recently qualified with a Master of Arts degree in Theology. This was such an amazing and exhausting 3 year process that alongside church planting and having a family was a challenge at times. The support from my family and church was incredible and I could not have done it without them. As well as this, shameless plug, I did it with the Irish Baptist College and everyone there was wonderful, especially Davy Ellison who supervised my dissertation and to whom I definitely owe a debt of gratitude! On the other side of this, I wanted to write about why I did the course, and why I believe it should be a consideration for those currently in church planting.
The role of pastors, and especially church planters, is a multifaceted and dynamic one that requires a deep understanding of theology, leadership, community engagement, and organisational management. It is often said that most church planters are generalists, not good at one particular thing, but average in lots of areas. In the ever-changing landscape of society, culture, and technology, the need for continuing education for pastors and planters becomes increasingly vital. During the process of my Masters I noted down somethings that I learned in the process and I strongly urge the significance of ongoing learning for pastors and, in particular, for those engaged in the challenging task of church planting.
Dynamic Ministry Landscape
The ministry landscape is constantly evolving, shaped by societal changes, cultural shifts, and advancements in technology. Church planters and pastors must remain attuned to these changes to effectively engage with our congregations and communities. Of course, things in society move quickly, but the problem in our ministry now is not accessing information, but discerning how to think through the ‘fire-hose’ of information being thrown at us. Continuing education equips pastors and planters with the tools to navigate these shifts, ensuring that our ministry remains relevant and impactful as we share the Gospel with people. It helps us think, and to do so concisely, and to wrestle with how this relates to the real lives of our congregation.
Theological Depth and Relevance
The foundation of pastoral work lies in a deep and nuanced understanding of theology, and the explanation of this in community with others. Continuing education allows pastors to delve deeper into theological studies, exploring new perspectives, theological developments, and biblical scholarship. This not only strengthens our own faith but also enhances our ability to provide meaningful guidance to our congregations. I valued the ideas that I had being pushed and pressed, with the kind demand of evidence of my thought, wrestling with the ‘why’ not just the ‘what’ of my beliefs. An intense study of theology, particularly historic biblical theology helps to navigate ‘modern’ issues by understanding how some of these have come before, and how to understand how they were addressed previously.
Leadership and Management Skills
Church planters in particular, face the unique challenge of building a community from the ground up - starting from scratch. I’ve spoken about this before in previous blogs, the comfort of tradition and the fear of an empty page. Effective leadership and management skills are crucial for the success of a church plant. This is not to over saturate the task of a pastor with business speak, but to realise that we are as much managing ourselves as others. Coordination and organisation are a vital component of sustaining a church and seeing future leaders developed. Continuing education offers pastors and planters the opportunity to enhance our leadership skills, learn about organisation and planning, and acquire practical tools for building and sustaining a thriving church community. The first module we undertook was that of study skills and it was definitely the process that shaped me the most in terms of how I would organise myself!
Cultural Engagement and Contextualization
Understanding and engaging with our cultural context is essential for effective ministry. Often times we can find ourselves answering questions that no one in our community is actually asking! Continuing education provides pastors and planters with the knowledge and skills to navigate cultural diversity, address contemporary issues, and effectively communicate timeless truths in a relevant manner. This is especially critical for church planters, who must connect with diverse communities in various contexts. The classes I took had a residential component as we got in a classroom and chatted about how the things we were studying had equal relevance, but differing application in our contexts. The beauty of the assignment questions were that they pushed us to think both academically and practically in how this would translate into real life.
Technological Literacy
In the digital age, technology plays a significant role in communication, outreach, and community building. Pastors and church planters need to be technologically literate to leverage the power of digital tools for ministry. Being able to access good information, journals and academic books was invaluable for me, especially electronically as I was around 4 hours drive from the college. Learning how to conduct research ethically, as well as using work-management apps has not only helped me with my course, but in my overall ministry going forward. More and more we will supplement our congregations discipleship with digital information, and knowing how to access and appreciate what is ‘sound teaching’ will be more and more valuable.
Personal and Professional Growth
Continuing education is not only about acquiring new skills but also about personal and professional growth. It challenges pastors and planters to reflect on our practices, explore new ideas, and refine our approach to ministry. This ongoing process of self-improvement contributes to our overall effectiveness and well-being. In my previous work, professional development and supervision was the standard, and at times can be sadly lacking within ministry, especially church planting. We can have the sense of having arrived once we are in full-time ministry. There also can be a comparison and competitiveness that creeps in, further isolating us. I really appreciated the college staff and their commitment to deepening our faith, sharpening our skills, but doing so in a way that was personal and relevant to our contexts. I felt ‘shaped’ by these men and women, who demonstrated a high value for the Bible and the cause of the Gospel as well as knowing the Irish context and history that we were serving in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, continuing education is vitally important for pastors, and it becomes even more crucial for church planters navigating the complexities of establishing new congregations. By investing in ongoing learning, pastors and planters equip ourselves with the knowledge, skills, and insights needed to lead effectively, engage with our communities, and build vibrant, Gospel centred, and sustainable churches. As the ministry landscape continues to evolve, the commitment to lifelong learning ensures that pastors and planters remain well-prepared and adaptable in their sacred calling. As much as the post-qualification relief has set in, I may not be finished with the books just yet!
Comments