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Friday, Feb. 14, 2003

Calling out the called

By Curtis W. Freeman

One of the challenges facing churches today is that the number of young men and women who are answering "the call" is declining. In North Carolina, a third of our Baptist ministerial leadership is over 55 years old and only 7 percent is under 35. So in the decade of 2012 there will be almost five times as many experienced leaders retiring as there will be young leaders to take their place.

There are plenty of reasons why people hesitate to answer God's call:

  • Debilitating debt for financing theological education;

  • Declining salaries for ministry positions;

  • Diminishing status of Christian leaders in public perception;

  • Demanding responsibilities on ministers; and

  • Disintegrating Christendom of a North American "churched" culture.

    So why would anyone want a job that can't support a family, won't get respect, makes unrealistic demands, and goes against the basic beliefs of society? I can't think of a good reason unless the Master of the universe calls you by name and leads you there.

    What can we do? Churches can get back to the task of calling out the called. If you're asking what that might look like, here are a few suggestions:

  • Provide positive models that honestly and invitingly display the life of ministry.

  • Consistently and creatively challenge all Christians to be open to God's call to ministry.

  • Foster connections with the church by providing opportunities for "the called" to gain guided ministry experience.

  • Cultivate a culture of calling out the called at the personal, congregational and denominational levels.

  • Provide unwavering support from calling to education to placement for those who are called out under our watchcare.

    Bruce McIver tells about a conversation between Kenneth Scott Latourette and John Newport. Latourette, an American Baptist, stated that Southern Baptists would become the largest and most dynamic denomination in the United States. Commenting on recent revivals at Baptist colleges he continued: "They are the outstanding students on the university campuses. So you will not only have the largest number because of this dynamic movement, but you will have quality people."

    Latourette's prediction was on target. During the 17 years of the youth revival movement (1946-62) there were 3,681 commitments to enter some kind of Christian ministry. A whole generation of leaders was raised up.

    Do it again Lord, and if it is your will, use us. Amen.

    (EDITOR'S NOTE - Freeman is director of the Baptist House at Duke University Divinity School.)


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