Training men for ministry: learning from mistakes

Dear Editor,

We've been concerned by the recent correspondence from John Brand and David J. Randall, lamenting the lack of young ministers willing to preach three times every week.

While we believe that both writers desire the flourishing of Christ’s church, we are nevertheless concerned by the dismissive attitude towards the serious issue of burnout. We do not think the 'go-easy-on-myself attitude' David Randall mentions is common amongst the young(ish) evangelical ministers of our generation, but rather there is a recognition, often gained through painful experience, of our own limitations. Many of us have also heard from older ministers regretting the sacrifice of their own families on the altar of ministry. Surely we should learn from these mistakes, rather than repeat them?