Finding One's Calling in Ministry

I finally took a look at Richard Lischer's Wall Street Journal article mentioned yesterday in Martin Marty's Sightings article. Lischer, who teaches preaching at Duke Divinity School, writes of the present situation for pastors in America. With 50% of church goers being ministered to by 10% of the clergy -- in mega churches -- the rest of us, who are ministering with the other 50%, are finding it more and more difficult to find positions in churches large enough to pay a full time salary. I'm fortunate that my new position will afford me a full time salary, but many, especially rural congregations are having to rely more and more on part time/bi-vocational pastors. This fact, as Lischer notes, can be demoralizing. Yet, people continue to answer the call. In the article he points to the Lilly funded program providing money for clergy sabbaticals -- a resource that enables clergy to find that rest and resourcement to empower ministry.
The future of ministry in America is uncertain. We see some seminary's struggle to survive, while others thrive by drawing in students who aren't so much considering ministry as they are exploring their faith. I've taught some of these students, students eager to learn but not looking for vocational ministry. Without salaries and pensions and health care, will they rely more on bi-vocational pastors? If so, will congregants be willing to fill the gaps?
Something to consider.

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