Torch, Summer 1983

IT TAKES MODELING When molding a man for ministry , the object is for the disciple to become like the one discipling. Luke 6:40 states: "The disciple is not above his master [discipler]: but every one that is perfect [successfully discipled] shall be as his master." Paul exhorted his disciples in Philippians 3: 17: " ... be followers together of me , and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. " Godly pastors must be involved in the process of discipling young men who hope to become pastors. A pastor' s heart can most clearly be modeled by a godly pastor. He can help his disciple reproduce the kind of ministry demonstrated before him on a consistent basis. Pastors who only spent time with college or seminary professors in an academic setting may tend to reproduce that setting in their churches . Churches are not colleges , and the needs or readiness of the people may not allow for this approach. IT TAKES OPENNESS Openness is necessary in molding a man of God for ministry. There are many good inputs available to a learner , but the most significant input will usually come from a significant model who is open and honest with him. The discipling pastor must not only openly discuss his disciple's shortcomings, but his own as well. In his pastoral letters Paul often refened to experiences of failure as well as the success that his hearers had experienced with him. The Lord Jesus took His disciples into His Gethsemane experience and into His exaltation on the Mount of Transfiguration. The godly discipler of a godly disciple need not fear that his student will be "turned off' by the revelation of his teacher ' s failures or testing. The rationale for programs or methods should be able to stand the test of honest discussion. A special bond can be formed between the two while engaged in such evaluation . ITIS CAUGHT While molding a man for ministry it is important to understand that most matters of eternal significance are caught rather than taught . This is to say that a man ' s values , attitudes, self-image , commitment , and goal– orientation cannot be captured in a notebook nearly as well as in the lifestyle of a person. In John 1:35-51, the Lord Jesus Christ called four of His disciples . It is intriguing to note how the Lord spent time with them, answered questions , took them to places He stayed, shared about Himself, and then saw the first two recruit two more! They "caught" the dynamic of Christ ' s person, purpose, and program. From this start a long-term relationship was nurtured and grew until ultimately these eleven reproduced those qualities and concerns through the starting of the New Testament church. A future pastor must have a close and extensive relationship with another significant pastor who will build Biblical values, attitudes, commitments , and goals into his life to ensure future success. IT TAKES "DOING WITH" Doing with and showing how are crucial pedagogical methods in the molding of a man of God. A study of the context in Luke 9 , I0 reveals that before Jesus Christ sent the Twelve and the Seventy out to witness , He had previously performed those same miracles and actions in their presence. He did not instruct before He demonstrated. Content alone may create a false hope of success or a fearful realization of inadequacy . Either encl of this same pendulum swing can be devastating to a young pastor. Secular management experts have published a research study concluding that "there is no direct relationship between performance in schoo l or training programs and records of success in management." While a content base is necessary for success in communicating spiritual truth , the leadership of people demands more. Pastors and missionaries must be shown how to perform ministry methods if they are to exert good leadership. INTERNSHIP The attaining of these basic ingredients for molding a man of God is presently being approached through local church internships . This concept of training is demonstrated well by the medical profession where doctors and nurses must have concentrated "hands on" experience in order to be truly qualified for their ultimate career jobs . At least a year is needed for a future pastor or missionary to spend in concentrated practice of ministry. This period is most valuable when unhindered by academic or employment concerns . The man is able to set aside a year in the local church laboratory (spiritual hospital) after the completion of his academic training. Where this type of discipling program has been experienced, those participating have shown unparalleled development toward their ministry goals. At least one Baptist mission agency is on record as requiring at least one year of full-time internship experience before embarking on a career in church planting. Teachers teach as they were taught. Molding a man of God requires modeling by other men of God. Future pastors and missionaries need presently successful pastors and missionaries pouring into their lives now before they enter their career in ministry. It's Biblical' • t 15