The Training Paradox:
Nurturing Effective Ministers vs. Cultivating Faithful Servants
Balancing Skill Development with Spiritual Formation in Ministry
As a society, we place a great deal of emphasis on training and education – be it for a job, a sport, or a hobby. And yet, when it comes to the role of a minister, many seem to think that a solid training program can turn someone into a faithful and effective leader of a congregation. But the truth is, effective and faithful ministry requires two very different things.
To be sure, a well-rounded training program can be incredibly valuable in developing the skills, knowledge, and judgment that are necessary for effective Christian ministry. A minister who has been well-trained can bring a wealth of practical knowledge and expertise to the table – they may be skilled in preaching, pastoral care, counselling, and leadership more broadly.
But the fundamental qualities that make a minister truly effective and faithful are harder to quantify, let alone teach. These qualities include things like humility, compassion, discernment, empathy, wisdom, and a deep commitment to serving both God and others.
Take, for example, the story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible. Both the priest and the Levite in the story were undoubtedly well-trained in the duties of their respective roles, but it was the Samaritan – who had none of their formal training – who demonstrated true faithfulness and love for his fellow human being.
Similarly, it is possible for someone to excel in a ministry program and yet struggle to connect with their congregation on a personal level. They may preach with eloquence and conviction, but do they truly care for the well-being of each individual in their flock? Do they listen to the concerns and needs of others with an open heart and mind? These are the sorts of questions that can’t be answered by a degree or a certificate.
To be clear, this is not to say that training is not essential – far from it. But training should always be seen as a means to an end, and that end is not simply to produce ministers who are skilled in various tasks. The end goal of ministry is to create communities of love, grace, and service that reflect the character of Christ. And this requires ministers who are not only well-trained but truly faithful as well.
Ask a faithful and loving mother with a successful family or a successful business person dealing directly with people, both will have common qualities as above!
In short, if we want to develop truly effective and faithful ministers, we must prioritise the spiritual formation and character development that lies at the heart of this calling. Yes, practical skills and knowledge are important, but they are secondary to the deeper virtues that make ministry truly transformative for both ministers and their congregations.