Qualified to Serve

A group of friends and I were recently discussing the question, "How do we know if a person is qualified to become a pastor once their training is complete?" Is it enough that all the required courses were taken, that all the boxes have been checked? Certainly, the completion of a rigorous process of preparation demonstrates persistence, which is a commendable quality. In addition, there are certain pastoral proficiencies that can be evaluated, such as preaching and pastoral care skills. However, our churches and classis organizations recognize that there must also be a confirmation of Christian character in order for a person to be commended as a candidate for ministry. So, along with exams in the areas of Bible content, Reformed theology and church history, and in addition to evaluation of preaching and teaching capability, the classis must be satisfied that a candidate has demonstrated personal integrity and spiritual maturity; in other words, Christian leaders must be persons of Christian character. About 600 years ago, Thomas à Kempis wrote the well-known devotional classic, The Imitation of Christ. He observes, "For a person's worthiness is not to be estimated by the number of visions and comforts which they may have, or by their skill in the Scriptures, or by their placement in a high position." It is interesting that neither experience by itself, or education by itself, is deemed to be sufficient. Instead, Thomas believed that worthiness (or for our purposes, qualification for Christian leadership) is found in those who are marked by true humility, God-inspired love for others, desire for God's honor, and a willingness to put the interests of others above their own (The Imitation of Christ, III. 7, adap.). While education and experience are both good and necessary things, it is character that sets a person apart as a Christian leader. The Apostle Paul encouraged his protégé Timothy to follow this same path. He instructed him to carry out the duties of a pastor/preacher, pursuing his ministry gifts for the good of the church (1 Tim. 4:13-16). He was to know, understand, and preach the scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:14-16; 4:1-2). However, Paul also insisted that this young leader must train himself in godliness (1 Tim. 4:7-8), and that his leadership would consist of setting an example in "speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). Knowing the right things and doing things well were not enough – he was to be the right person. In its training programs for Commissioned Pastors and other Christian leaders, Church Leadership Center emphasizes learning that transforms. Leaders who are living out God's call on their life find themselves "transformed and transforming." Throughout candidates' training plan experiences, they are personally mentored by experienced leaders in the church, as well as further observed and encouraged by their supervisory team. Admittance into candidacy is dependent upon recommendations from their church and their classis, and their final commissioning is an affirmation by those who know them that these leaders have not merely completed a course of study, but are also men and women of Christian character. Church Leadership Center works in partnership with pastors, churches, and other ministry groups to prepare congregational leaders for advanced levels of service. We do this by means of assessment interviews and reports; personalized training plans, classes, and certification so that participants are able to increase their effectiveness in all areas of church life. Click here for more information. To view videos about Commissioned Pastors and those who support them, click here. To read previous blogs, click here. Special thanks to Dr.Mark Veldt for writing the above article. He is CLC's leadership development specialist.