Narrow-minded Lutheran has left a new comment on your post "More Details on LCMS Seminary Fraud":
Observations from the "Issues, Etc. " clip:
578 "non-calling" congregations today vs. 328 ten years ago: Okay, the rural population issues and health care costs are certainly valid points. While he admitted that many parishes are using emeritus pastors, what he did not say is that some parishes use vicars (yes, to administer the Sacraments with district approval). I wish I had numerical stats for this occurrence. Also, from the clip, many pastors are serving two congregations (and some even three). Yes, burnout is common. The overall observation is that no one wants to admit that the "numbers" are simply declining. I just read that the mean age of the Church of England (which will probably be all but gone in another generation) is 61.
199 congregations calling "sole pastors" today vs. 621 ten years ago: Wow! That's all one can say. At least he admitted that the "pastoral crisis" was "exaggerated."
Personal observations:
1. Although St. Paul said pastors are supposed to make their living by the Gospel, St. Paul himself also made it clear that he paid his own way. I think clergy or those aspiring to be pastors will have to accept the fact that they may have to also work in a secular vocation to supplement income. I believe this is the reality in this age. The cushy Concordia Plan ain't free.
2. As an aside, I was recently told that the Vicarage Program was instituted during the Great Depression to delay calls during those economically miserable times. I was also told that a recent vicarage candidate was denied a vicarage due to a scandalous life. What was his sin? Too much debt from student loans. This is almost funny, except that this guy and his family probably failed to see the humor.
3. Also not mentioned was the SMP Program. I can't readily find the stats on the number of SMP students vs. regular MDiv students, but I'm sure many parishes seeking an asst./assoc. pastor are going this route. Also note that the SMP students are not eligible for grants or Fed aid. I think the SMP is where the LCMS is headed. The "growthy" parishes will seek them, I believe. No Greek required. Since I have ranted in the past about the SMP and my dislike for it, I will abstain from further comment.
4. Although Herb Mueller claimed that there will be many pastors retiring in a few years when (if?) the economy recovers, I think the gaggle of calls will be short-lived. The percentage of the population that attends church is simply declining.
5. Yes, the mega-churches seem to be thriving, but when the "thrill" is gone and the people go seeking their next "high," they will also eventually fail. Those 3,000-plus churches are probably supported in the majority by a few families. Will they return to traditional church bodies? My money is on the negatory.
6. One of the LCMS sems will close [GJ - bazingo]. It is inevitable. There was scuttlebutt a few years ago about MDiv's starting their classes at the Concordia U level and finishing distance ed. Concordia U's, what a disaster, both theologically and financially. One can receive Evolution and homosexual tolerance brainwashing much cheaper elsewhere.
