From a practical standpoint, there is no measure of learning that can help more than experience and its molding of us. I learned vastly more in 2.25 years of teaching than I would have learned if I got a doctorate before entering the classroom.
Besides, learning from another (in the context of being mentored in a big church) is tough, since you are learning how the mentor does the work. How you do it will likely be very different. While it's helpful to know that there are solutions to problems you'll encounter, you likely will do 1 of 2 things: 1) you'll either copy them and be very dissatisfied, or 2) you'll have to find your own solutions.
I'll be the first to admit that I'm a Mars Hill fan. To me its ideal. However, if all the decisions I make in the church plant are answered based on whether or not Mars Hill does them, I'm foolish. I think we need to go into this project with Spirit-led experimentation for God's glory so that we can find what works for our context.
I couldn't agree more with Keller's assessment. I used to want to get a job in a big church after seminary and learn from seasoned pastors. Now, I think this is one helpful way to go. However, I am becoming more and more convinced that you become a good pastor by being a pastor, not just watching another man be a good pastor.
Believe it or not, I agree with the rural church idea as well. This is a more forgiving environment for a young pastor. This, however, should be taken with a grain of salt because the rural environment does not fit all personality types. In my case I think I could do ok in a rural church and would enjoy the experience very much, but I know that sort of environment would not work for Andrea. Pastors should always pace themselves according to their wives.
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From a practical standpoint, there is no measure of learning that can help more than experience and its molding of us. I learned vastly more in 2.25 years of teaching than I would have learned if I got a doctorate before entering the classroom.
Besides, learning from another (in the context of being mentored in a big church) is tough, since you are learning how the mentor does the work. How you do it will likely be very different. While it's helpful to know that there are solutions to problems you'll encounter, you likely will do 1 of 2 things: 1) you'll either copy them and be very dissatisfied, or 2) you'll have to find your own solutions.
I'll be the first to admit that I'm a Mars Hill fan. To me its ideal. However, if all the decisions I make in the church plant are answered based on whether or not Mars Hill does them, I'm foolish. I think we need to go into this project with Spirit-led experimentation for God's glory so that we can find what works for our context.
I couldn't agree more with Keller's assessment. I used to want to get a job in a big church after seminary and learn from seasoned pastors. Now, I think this is one helpful way to go. However, I am becoming more and more convinced that you become a good pastor by being a pastor, not just watching another man be a good pastor.
Believe it or not, I agree with the rural church idea as well. This is a more forgiving environment for a young pastor. This, however, should be taken with a grain of salt because the rural environment does not fit all personality types. In my case I think I could do ok in a rural church and would enjoy the experience very much, but I know that sort of environment would not work for Andrea. Pastors should always pace themselves according to their wives.
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