Life-Long Learning

When I graduated from seminary, it seemed a relief to think I would not be forced to read another book unless I felt like it. And other than using the appropriate research tools to craft a theologically sound sermon, I didn't feel much like it. I was book- and study-weary. Fortunately, that didn't last, because my ministry would have suffered greatly for it.

Pastors, Parsons, People in Leadership

Pastoral ministry is so called because of the responsibility of the ordained minister to "care for the flock." The "parson" long ago derived his designated role and title as the "person": the one in the community who had an education, when many others did not. He had a responsibility, by virtue of his education, to share that knowledge with others who did not have the opportunity or means to attend school. Most people under the pastor's general care and oversight have access to public education, but not to the same theological education. People in lay leadership assume roles that require certain skills and abilities to lead. We may, or may not, learn and cultivate those skills in the traditional schooling opportunities available to us.

What do you think would happen in a local church if every leader — clergy and lay alike — assumed that whatever information and knowledge had been attained in seminary, college, trade school, or high school was sufficient for whatever task was at hand? Suppose I were your pastor or professional Christian educator and that post-graduate book-weariness never left me? Would I be a cutting-edge, innovative leader if I were running on a 1970's, 1980's, or 1990's education? Hardly. I might be able to maintain the status quo, but is that what the church expects and desires of me? One would hope not.

What about my own and the congregation's spiritual life? Would the models of spiritual growth and faith development derived years ago be sufficient for new generations of worshipers? Of course, prayer, Scripture reading, and other Christian practices are ancient and survive the test of time. They help us grow when we are stretched beyond what we already think we know or feel or want to do.

Continuous Learning

Compare what you knew and who you were when you graduated from high school with what you know and who you are now. Some research has indicated that people in the United States are bombarded with as much or more information in a day as a person in the 1700's received in a lifetime. Surely, that glut of information and the experiences it offers has a formative effect. We're learning all the time, whether we want to learn or not!

What I encourage is some kind of thoughtful approach to continuous learning. Those of us who are "parsons" have an obligation, I think, to share the benefit of our theological education and leadership skills to empower the faith community to grow spiritually and to reach into the community and world as faithful and well-equipped disciples. What a joy it is to see the faith community bloom and grow! If we are to lead, I believe that we need a coordinated approach to our own learning and enrichment.

Those of us in leadership positions in the church may have a professional obligation to obtain continuing education. Most annual conferences have some requirements for continuing education credits (CEUs), although the conferences are not uniform in the number of CEUs required or in the way they account for compliance. Even without the institution holding us accountable, lifelong learning is one means to an enriched life and career.

A Three-Pronged Approach

Lifelong learning suggests more to me than just improving a knowledge base. Certainly in a Christian context, lifelong learning also refers to one's own growth in faith and in the means of grace— those practices that cultivate a vital relationship with God and as disciples in the world.

It may be helpful to think about lifelong learning in (at least) three ways that are important and necessary for the ordained and lay professional in the church.

• Continuing education: Gaining content in some kind of structured environment that may also offer CEUs.
• Personal nurture and enrichment: Events and experiences, such as the Walk to Emmaus, that speak to your soul, as well as a self-structured pattern of attending to the means of grace.
• Self-guided learning: A chosen and organized program of reading and study in one or more particular areas, which may include some kind of approval from a CEU-granting entity.

Where to Go

You probably have numerous brochures crossing your desk weekly for various seminars and workshops. Just picking one that meets at a convenient time and offers enough CEUs is one avenue to pursue. Perhaps a more thoughtful approach would be to assess the needs of the ministry in which you are engaged and overlay your skills and spiritual energy over those needs. What do you need to be well-equipped as a spiritual leader in the church or in your daily life? Then go to various resource and service providers to see what will meet those needs.

• Your conference and district prepare and host a variety of learning opportunities, which are probably listed on their web sites.
• The Upper Room and through the various ministry areas of Discipleship Ministries.
• Seminaries offer continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
• Alban Institute offers books and seminars as do a host of other organizations that resource church leaders.
• Self-study can be structured using books published by Abingdon and sold through Cokesbury.
• Numerous devotional materials are offered in print and online through The Upper Room.

Finding Time

Finding the time for learning is sometimes the greatest barrier to pursuing any kind of organized or systematic study; therefore, distance learning or web-based learning opportunities are appealing to many people. Wanting to learn can be another dilemma. Often we know something is important, but can't quite push ourselves to find the discipline to follow through. Perhaps "wanting to want to learn" is the first step! Be kind to yourself!

Thinking of lifelong learning as something done in addition to your "regular job," instead of being an integral part of it (which it is), may also undermine your effort. In any case, it may be a relief to remember that there are so many options — distance learning, online devotionals, self-guided study programs, and so on — that something will fit your schedule. Once your mind and soul are stoked, nurtured, and energized; and once you realize the pleasure and benefits of learning, then life-long learning can become as natural as breathing.