As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
“As of 2022, only 16 percent of Protestant senior pastors are 40 years old or younger, and the average age among pastors is 52. As a generation of clergy ages and prepares to step down, it is not clear that churches are prepared for the transition.” - Barna
“…360-degree review, an evaluation strategy that involves seeking and receiving constructive feedback on a leader’s performance from people who surround him at every level of a ministry organization” - TGC
“Bottomline for Christ-centered leaders: use the framework to help you wisely evaluate your context and remind you of your identity as a servant.” - Eric Geiger
“In an episode of the “Ask Pastor John” podcast posted on Desiring God’s website on Monday, a listener sent a message asking about female leadership in a parachurch ministry.” - CPost
“In a video message to the congregation, Sauls apologized for an unhealthy leadership style that harmed the people who worked for him and the church.” - RNS
Evangelize, disciple, and train leaders—these are the priorities of missionaries serving in foreign countries.
Evangelize and disciple—these are the priorities of pastors serving in the U.S. If a new pastor is needed, the church rarely looks within, nor can they because no one is ready to step into the shepherding role. A local church must hire its next pastor from another church or out of seminary.
By Paul Barreca. Read Part 1.
Seek Seekers
In 2 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul instructed Timothy to entrust the truths that had been taught by Paul and other spiritual leaders to “faithful men.” Finding these men is a vital part of an intentional plan to train men for ministry. Which men are to be trained? Jesus and Paul provide an example.
By Paul Barreca
“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2Ti 2:2)
How does the church train the “faithful men” destined to be the next generation of pastors, evangelists, elders, deacons, and ministry leaders? It will require more than asking men to attend church services. There must be intentionality if church leaders want to see new generations of godly leaders equipped for ministry.
“One pastor had a group of people circulate a petition to get him fired. They tried to get signatures in the foyer as members walked into church for Sunday services. Another pastor experienced the creation of a Facebook page dedicated to criticizing every aspect of his preaching and leadership.” - Church Answers
Discussion