Doing what you trained for

Per Larry’s comment, it strikes me that not only have I see volunteers become associate pastors, and not only do I hope to see it happen more (I’ve got a particular candidate in mind), but I would even dare suggest that if indeed the pastor also is an elder or “older, more experienced person”, then we might even wonder if it ought to be normative.

Really, to go even further, we might even suggest that at least a portion of deacons ought to have something approximating what Bible college/seminary training ought to be. If we want to have robust church growth that will give a new generation a chance to serve, I don’t see any other way.

I think Bert’s on to something here:

You, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. -2 Tim. 2:2, CSB
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Matt. 28:19-20

The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town: someone who is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of wildness or rebellion. For an overseer, as God’s manager, must be blameless, not arrogant, not quick tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it. - Titus 1:5-9

I’d also be interested to see if there is a Monster.com for Pastors, and it sounds like TLangeJr (from the linked blog) would be as well. I know that some schools have placement offices (Northland did, and BJU does, I believe), but would a place like MBBC place a Faith Ankeny grad, or do you have to be an alumnus? Any idea?

Hey, that’s a niche that SharperIron could fill - if Aaron had the inclination. Might also bring the site some extra revenue, too, which I’m sure would be welcome.

This is now up, and not limited to Faith grads. https://www.faith.edu/resources/ministry-placement/

Churches: http://www.garbc.org/job-posting/

You can also email John (jgreening@garbc.org) or Daria Greening (dgreening@garbc.org) at the GARBC Ministry Resource Center to submit a resume. The various state association representatives are listed at http://www.garbc.org/network/state-regular-baptist-associations/

These are great tools, but they don’t take the place of personal networking and investment in local church ministry.