Training clergy without piling debt on their family

Dale Brueggemann

Just read a blog in The Atlantic talking about the decline in the number of middle-class clergy and growing numbers who have to work part time as pastors because they have to take on other paying jobs. One says, “I am not mad at the church, .... However, I wish someone had advised me against taking on so much debt in order to be trained for ministry.”

Hope Mobile Ed. always keeps this problem firmly in sight.

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/07/higher-calling-lower-wages-the-collapse-of-the-middle-class-clergy/374786/

DMB

Working link: 
https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/07/higher-calling-lower-wages-the-collapse-of-the-middle-class-clergy/374786/ 

I'm not a big supporter of fake labeling (news, etc). But I am tired of articles that mush around in half-melted snow. Most (many) know to distinguish by denomination group. And random stats are meaningless. Though lowest giving since the depression is interesting ... another mixing of groups?

That said, getting pastors out of their churches is a positive direction. Didache was a bit suspicious why they should be allowed in, in the first place.

1. Realness and real people are best found in everyday places ... the job, etc Though old-style tents are super-heavy. Where'd Paul get his materials?

2. Congregations would do well to contribute more discipling, and forego paying their way to heaven.

3. Dale's subtle hint does make a lot of sense ... for congregants (and tent makers).