The normal track for credentialing pastors includes college, seminary, and an ordination council. But what about credentialing pastors who take non-traditional routes? Is there space in your denomination for that? Should there be?
Furthermore, is there a biblical way to respect the office of pastor while providing additional paths to pastoral ministry?
I think the obvious answer is yes.
I want to consider an Alternative Credentialing Track (ACT).
A Credentialing Crossroads
I work with a lot of different denominations and networks, and credentialing pastors is often a topic of discussion. New networks are asking what their role is—or is it the role of the local church? What about pastors in movements which go astray?
Now, I recognize that you Anglicans have your Bishops and the Anabaptists ordain locally in their churches. So, for a moment, let’s skip the discussion on polity for a moment and let’s acknowledge that a lot of denominations and networks are struggling with how to do credentialing, even when their polity is different– same issue, different application.
Denominations (often with high credentialing standards and a sometimes onerous process) are asking how to open up new pathways to immigrant, bivocational, and other leaders. And, at the same time, networks are asking what their responsibility is to the local church and the pastor if they are in the network.
Either way, a lot of groups are dissatisfied with their credentialing.
Statistically, the future is less mainline denominations (with high credentialing) and more non-denominational evangelicals (who are trying to figure it out). Denominations typically credential pastors, so with the rise of non-denominational Christians, a new standard may need to be put in place.
And, the discussion continues … READ MORE HERE