A group of United Church of Christ seminarians from Andover-Newton Theological School (one of the seven UCC seminaries) is concerned about the pronouncement going before the UCC’s General Synod in July that would open up multiple paths to ministry. The resolution would create a mentorship program that candidates for ministry could go through instead of seminary.
These seminarians at Andover-Newton want to make sure that the Master of Divinity program at each of our seminaries is affordable and accessible, state that the pronouncement is too ambiguous, are concerned that the pronouncement does not address the issue of smaller churches not being able to afford seminary trained ministers, and are “concerned about the lack of seminarian voice within the work and ministries of our denomination.”
They've set-up a web site – Ministry Issues – where you can learn more.
This issue has been discussed some here on the campus of Eden Theological Seminary (a question about the pronouncement was even on my final exam this spring in UCC Polity). I’m more comfortable with the pronouncement moving forward than some others. However, I believe the issues raised by the Andover-Newton folks are serious and well thought out. Those at General Synod would be wise to listen to their voice.
Related Post: General Synod to consider endorsing 'multiple paths of preparation' for ordination
