Raising up a new generation of leaders

-William Willimon, Bishop, North Alabama Conference

One of our church’s great challenges is finding qualified pastoral leaders for our churches in the future. As you know, United Methodism historically has some of the highest educational and character standards for our new pastors of any church. Our rigorous educational requirements are expensive to maintain. But we think our congregations are worth it.

You may also know that we have the lowest percentage of young clergy (only about 4.5% under 35) of at any time in our history. Each year, when I ordain new clergy, I ordain close to a million dollars in educational debt along with them -- money they have had to borrow to prepare for our ministry.…

… I am therefore so excited about a recent gift that we received from two dedicated laypeople, Jim and Betty Tucker, who are members of Central in Decatur. A generous series of gifts by the Tuckers will enable grants to be made to seminarians who are serving in the Northwest District. It will provide aid to students with expenses incurred while going to seminary. Jim Tucker has seen first hand how even generous scholarships are not enough for seminarians, particularly those who are serving student appointments while in seminary. Mike Stonbraker, Jim’s District Superintendent, has been a great leader in cultivating new, young leadership for our church….

Jim Tucker has been a successful business person in Decatur and is not only a loyal member of Central, but is also grateful for the high-quality pastoral leadership who has served Central over the years. He knows that fine pastoral leaders like Gary Formby, his current pastor, required quality seminary training. We are so grateful to Betty and Jim for leading the way with their generous gift.

God means for us to have a bright and vital future, I’m sure of that. But we must do our part. As I’ve often said, with Jesus Christ, we have more tomorrows than yesterdays, for we serve a living, resurrected God who leads us into the future. Let’s go with him!

   “I think people know that whatever they say to me is held in strictest confidence,” said Robbie. “It’s important to take your time and talk to people even if there is a stack of papers on your desk. Working at a church is very different from working in the secular world.”

Robbie also believes that her relationship with God is stronger because of her job at Central. “I keep a verse from Proverbs on my desk that says ‘Commit your work to the Lord and it will succeed.’ I try to remember that when things get stressful.

“I really believe that when I interviewed for this job 25 years ago, I was at the right place at the right time. I’m convinced that I was exactly where God wanted me to be.”