Knowing why they should preach and preach well. (Jeff's taken us through two papers—one from Peter Adams, one from Philip Jensen, both invaluable.)
Writing sermons people can listen to and benefit from is important. But where I'm studying, far too many students are asked to preach to fill a need, not to learn. (One student had to negotiate his way down from 17 sermons in the year to 15. I don't think he got much training in all that.)
Thinking through who they will and won't marry, bury, baptise, etc as well as the logistics of doing so.
Pastoring kids.
Ministering to women.
Fostering growth, not filling rosters.
On reflection, what's most valuable in a student placement is ministers being explicit about why they do what they do. The specific issues have to fit the situation and needs of the church. But teaching the Bible well is always essential and that means pastoring as well as preaching.
How to live in poverty
ReplyDeleteHow to write a sermon
How to critique a sermon
How to bring up minister's kids... with the home church's kids as the model.
And such a good model you were, Nathan!
ReplyDeleteThings I've valued learning:
ReplyDeleteKnowing why they should preach and preach well. (Jeff's taken us through two papers—one from Peter Adams, one from Philip Jensen, both invaluable.)
Writing sermons people can listen to and benefit from is important. But where I'm studying, far too many students are asked to preach to fill a need, not to learn. (One student had to negotiate his way down from 17 sermons in the year to 15. I don't think he got much training in all that.)
Thinking through who they will and won't marry, bury, baptise, etc as well as the logistics of doing so.
Pastoring kids.
Ministering to women.
Fostering growth, not filling rosters.
On reflection, what's most valuable in a student placement is ministers being explicit about why they do what they do. The specific issues have to fit the situation and needs of the church. But teaching the Bible well is always essential and that means pastoring as well as preaching.