Lack of trainee pastors to replace those retiring is ‘elephant in the room’

The lack of trainee pastors to replace those who are retiring is an ‘elephant in the room’ which evangelicals are neglecting, a former en editor is warning.

Writing on the London Seminary website, John Benton says: ‘The stark truth is that far fewer men are coming forward to train for the ministry than there are pastors coming up to retirement.

‘This is a big matter for the future of evangelical churches, but I am not hearing many conversations about it or plans to try to deal with it.

‘Generally speaking, theological seminaries in the UK are far from over-subscribed.’

Benton highlights several possible reasons for this situation. He says pastoral work for the ‘non-celebrity pastor’ is ‘hard work and not usually well paid’. He adds: ‘Men hesitate to expose themselves and their families to a life of relative poverty and spiritual battle.’

Then there is the fact that ‘many congregations do not really get behind their pastors, but almost treat them as hirelings, forever on trial’.

The issue that the work of a pastor is ‘a minefield’ for many is also a contribution, with potential pastors worrying that they may be accused of spiritual abuse.

Finally, ‘the idea of a clear call from the Holy Spirit to pastoral ministry has been so denigrated and attacked in recent decades that maybe men now have great difficulty in even recognising God’s call,’ he states.

Benton adds: ‘The lack of competent men coming through Bible colleges spells bad news, especially for smaller churches. Gifted seminary graduates who have had a season of experience as an assistant are in great demand and are often able to pick and choose between churches.’

While ‘as it stands, it looks like yet another nail in the coffin of ordinary local churches,’ Benton suggests that existing pastors should consider who from within their church could make a future pastor, explain the situation to the congregation, and get church members praying.

‘All is not lost,’ he concludes. ‘Thankfully we have a living God who does hear us (Ps.34:4).’ The full article can be read at www.londonseminary.org/pastors-in-the-marketplace/