Comments on: The bad news about theological education

By: 7 Ways to Reinvent Ministry Training » Steve Addison’s blog » World Changers

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 19:28:06 +0000

[...] 7 Ways to Reinvent Ministry Training » The bad news about theological education Prayer and planting [...]

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 17:26:44 +0000

Brian, yes the toughest challenge in Australia would be blended church of indigenous and white Australians. Redfern in Sydney is a flashpoint in an urban setting. There are also plenty of outback towns and Darwin in the north or Alice Springs in the centre. Re Toowoomba, my guess is that it’s a pretty localized problem. The other need is in areas like Springvale in Melbourne where there is a “United Nations” of refugees from all over over the world. Hope this helps.

By: Tim Jeffries

Tim Jeffries — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 16:35:42 +0000

Thanks for your encouragement guys. And don’t worry Steve, I’ve been unsettled since the start of this degree, I’m working out ways to adapt it to best develop me as I go. I’m currently part time in a context that in many ways sees full time study as the only serious approach to ‘preparation for ministry’. But I’m pretty sure going full time would be suicide for me given my missional focus, I’d die stuck in a classroom never getting anything done! So I’ll keep adapting and see where God takes me. Thanks again. T.

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 16:21:49 +0000

Thanks for your comments and your excitement about “blended churches”. In addition to planting our church in BA, I am tasked with researching trouble spots globally so we can begin to pray and educate church pastors and leaders about this. I would like to get your insights as to the trouble spots that come to mind. In Australia, obviously there is work among the aborigines and whites. I also read about a situation in Toowoomba where Sudanese refugees are struggling with certain skinhead, pro-white associations. Your thoughts?

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 13:09:51 +0000

Brian, great to hear from you and of your ministry in BA. Well done for pursuing your call to ministry. Visited the website at http://www.blendedchurch.com/ and signed up for the newsletter. Exciting to hear of the vision for “blended churches”. My mind goes to a number of trouble spots around the world where there would be a need for them.

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 12:48:56 +0000

Steve,
This is my first time on your blog, but I will certainly be back. My family and I are completing our first year on the field as missionaries in Buenos Aires, Argentina after spending many years working as a manager for a vending company. We heard the call of God to come here, raised the funds, and began learning the language and culture. Although I have a 4-year degree from Calvin College (Michigan USA) in English and Philosophy, and the strong recommendation of my senior pastor to be in ministry, most of the churches here have tried to keep us at a distance. “You really need to go to seminary because you are called to be in ministry” seems to be repeated often. I have been allowed to act as an “intern” at a local church but nothing more. However, my senior pastor from the States is planting Mars Hill Church in Sacramento CA that is focused on healing wounds left by racism and prejudice. His vision is to plant 100 blended churches in the States and 100 globally. I have just accepted the role of Exec. Dir. of the global side of this and are now beginning to plant a church here in BA. Learning by doing. Thanks for your encouraging words. Brian.

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 11:40:59 +0000

Tim, you seem to be doing just fine http://www.mynottinghill.co.uk/nottinghilltv/celebs&gossip-tim-jeffries.htm Seriously, though, I am embarassed to be held up by Steve as a great example; for a start I’m over 40 (don’t believe everything you read!) and I only qualify for his praise if you write a very loooong list of business leaders. For the most part I’ve had a fantastic time working with a great team to build a business, but it is not in the same category as being used by God to see one extra person join His Kingdom. Regardless of the environment you are in, He will delight to use the passion you have for Him. Enjoy!

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 11:30:26 +0000

Andrew, I agree. We need to create a environments in which we spend the rest of our lives in reflecting Biblically and theologically on our life and ministry experience.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 11:27:47 +0000

Tim, hope I don’t unsettle you too much. The worst time to question the system is when you are in the middle of a degree!

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 11:24:31 +0000

Brigid, interesting to note that at the ETS of Indonesia both women and men are accepted as church planters. Their effectiveness on the field is what validates their call to minister.