Recently I am alarmed by the number of Theology graduates that the Adventist University of the Philippines is producing. As of now there are about more than 50 graduates working as “private” or “pre-interns” or “church pastors” in the Central Luzon Conference territory.  Just a few months ago,  the Central Luzon Conference has stopped hiring of new graduates for the next two years.

I believe that the need for more workers to work in God’s vineyard is increasing every year but the Conference can only hire two or three full-time workers a year. And so the question now is how do we provide “employment” for these Theology graduates whose conviction is they been have called into the gospel ministry?

It’s a fact right now that some of the Theology graduates turn to other professions later after they become disillusioned or discouraged. In CLC alone, the graduates  have to wait for an average of 3 to 5 years before they get hired. That is if they ever get hired. Some former schoolmates of mine are now in public service, a vegetable vendor, a public school principal, English tutors, and a taxi driver.  Sadly, AUP does not monitor its Theology graduates after they leave the University. A concern that has been discussed since I was still an instructor at the College of Theology way back in 1997.

The NPUC, CLC, and AUP College of Theology need to consider its “production line.”  Just imagine the  years, and efforts poured out by student, and the painstaking effort involved as parents pour sweat and blood to send their “future pastor son” to school.

And if ever AUP will qualify admission of future pastors, what would the guidelines be? What will its basis be?

Gone are the days when anyone can just be a pastor. Back in the 60’s, anyone who can preach well can be ordained into the ministry.  These days however you have to finish a Theology degree and a long list of requirements before you get accepted as an intern.

Certainly the call to the gospel ministry is different from other callings. Being a pastor is not just an option, a vocation, a profession, or a job.  It’s a divinely ordained task dedicated to full time service  in bringing and nurturing souls to the Kingdom of God.

So what does it take to be a pastor?

Finishing a degree? Relational skills? Communication skills? Evangelism gift? Administrative abilities? Strong pastoral qualities?  The list can go on.

How would we qualify, if ever we are to limit, the supply of Theology graduates? Or are there are other possible “jobs’ waiting for these graduates, say like church planting or independent ministries?  If so, is it in line with the Spirit’s biblical call to full-time gospel ministry? If so, will it not be divisive of church authority?

Is it time to be directing the energy of  some of these Theology students to take another degree and be missionaries in those fields. After all not everyone is called into the  full-time “gospel ministry.” Is it?

Leadership teams. How can a pastor survive without one? Let me share with you what my past leadership teams taught me?

1. Leaders must be planted deep into the word of God. And that is my responsibility as a pastor. I must constantly feed upon the word of God so I can teach, preach, and share the word of God with my leaders. Leaders will only remain strong, accountable, passionate, loving towards one another and active in ministry when they are sufficiently nourished with the Word of God. The word of God needs to become their life- in their private time with God, in group studies, and in corporate worship.

As a pastor I must understand and see the importance of a heavy solid Bible study in my life so I can teach and preach powerfully. The Word must become the center of my life. There is no other way. Therefore it becomes a necessity that I spend more time in the study of the word of God. More than anyone else. I am called to study the word of God and deliver it to His people. God calls for a Mary-like spirit. I cannot become an effective minister of the word if I have not experienced the power of the Word.

It is just so easy to become frustrated with people and start pointing out their failures and shortcomings. Yet when you start pointing out people’s faults and fail to see where they really are and try to understand them, you will only lead those people astray. Instead, gently guide them with the word of God. Let the word of God rebuke them and inspire them to serve with excellence. There is no other way. Pouting on them, punishing them with silence or indifference will only estrange relationships. Let the word of God heal them and push them to do their best for God’s glory.

2. Equip leaders for their various roles and ministries. My chief role is to help God’s children discover their gifts, put them into ministries, engage them into active service, and constantly train them and challenge them to reach their set goals.

Communication is an important part in team effort. The team must know the plan, how to implement the plan, and what is expected of them. That’s how crucial it is.

Does my team know the mission, the vision, the goals and objectives of the organization? How do you get there? Does each one know their gifts and how they play an important role in accomplishing those objectives. Our work is focused on the expansion of God’s kingdom on earth. Our young people need to see the relevance of the Word of God in their lives and know how they take part in service. Whatever it takes!

Equipping people means inviting people and offering them the opportunity to serve. But before that can take place they must be born again Christians. They need to know Jesus. They need to take him in their lives. Then and only then can they serve.

People must also understand clearly their leadership roles. It must be clear to them. It must be crystal clear to them what the leadership team expects from each of them