As a young person going through the ordination process I cannot tell you how
often I have truly felt like abandoning the process b/c of my frustration
with some of the very issues you point out in your article.
I have also spoken recently with three young people who are 'lifelong United
Methodists' who are now seeking to serve as ministers with
non-denominational congregations in our area b/c they feel they don't have
the time to 'waste' on the ordination process ...
- Review of "Crisis of Younger Clergy"
There are times that I consider if I was not a pastor, would I stay? Our
congregations are aging, and the Millenials are heading off to college. Will
they stay with the UM heritage or find their way to more applicable
settings? I fear we have LOST a generation.
- Dennis Peay Not only will a
streamlined ordination process attract younger clergy, but I think a system
with accountability built into the time AFTER ordination
(i.e. no guaranteed appointments) will further attract younger clergy.
I mean, what we
are really after here is a group of effective, long-term clergy persons,
right?
How can you
attract effective leaders of any age into a system that continually supports
dysfunctional members at the expense of the church’s ministry?
If we create a
healthier and more effectively functioning conference AND make the entrance
process less tedious, I do see more hope for the future of the church.
- Julie Holly
