Pastor Theologian Program
Encouraging and enhancing the theological vocation of pastors
Pastors today are busier than ever with administration, organization, visitation and mobilization. There are bulletins to produce, session meetings to moderate and committee meetings to attend. And, lest we forget, there are sermons that must be written, governing body responsibilities that we have promised to uphold and community events that we should attend. Last but not least, our families who have a right to our time.
Administrator, preacher, teacher, citizen, parent, spouse. Pastors are all of those things. With all these hats we wear, we must ask ourselves — are we still theologians?
Theologians study the things of God, seeking to discern how God’s will is worked out in everyday life. Pastors are supposed to be on the front line of theological thinking — but who has the time?
Pastors are supposed to! Pastors are to take the time to think out the questions of their times and their communities with the re-sources of vigorous, prayerful, sustained attention to the faith. But the solitary act of doing theology does not have the visibility of sitting in a parishioner’s living room or going to the Junior High lock-in. The sad fact is that what is not seen is not often rewarded.
The Office of Theology and Worship of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) believes that skills of preaching, teaching, visiting and chaperoning are all built on the pastor’ s theological foundation. Because of this, we offer the Pastor-Theologian Program.
- Pastor-Theologian Consultations
- How Can We Get Involved?
- Read Pastor Theologian Consultation Reflections
- For More Information
Pastor-Theologian Consultations
The Pastor-Theologian Program gathers Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastors from diverse localities and theological perspectives to think theologically and pray together. Pastors gather not to hear from theologians, but to work as theologians
Pastors first write or call the Office of Theology and Worship expressing interest in admission to the program. When accepted, participants receive several significant books and articles relating to the material to be covered. Participants write an assigned paper, which is distributed in advance to the rest of the group. At the Consultation, participants engage each other and their work. Consultations themselves are usually held at a conference center for three days, and typically include 10-15 pastors along with a convener from the Office of Theology and Worship.
Although the work is demanding, there is time for recreation and rest. A cycle of daily hours is observed for worship and prayer. Through deliberate, sustained attention to the things of God, pastors renew their sense of vocation. Bonds of collegial friendship are formed, and further strengthened at a follow-up Consultation several months after the first gathering.
Recent Consultation topics have included: the Resurrection of the Body, the Gospel and Contemporary Culture, Liturgical Theology, the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, Christ and Salvation, and Ordination.
How can we get involved?
Pastor-Theologian Program participants report that it has proven wonderfully beneficial — to their own vocational passion, and to the churches they serve. They also find their sense of connection with pastoral colleagues and the denomination deeply strengthened. To get involved in this significant program, you may:
- Nominate yourself or other pastors whom you would recommend to be part of a nationwide Consultation.
- Contact our office about developing a Local Consultation Program in your area.
- Consider supporting the program financially. There is an Extra Commitment Offering opportunity that will help us keep this program going far into the future, with your support.
Please contact Quinn Fox to inquire about participating in a pastor theologian consultation, or to learn more about how you or your church might help fund pastor theologian consultations.
READ PASTOR THEOLOGIAN CONSULTATION REFLECTIONS
These theological reflections were prepared for the Pastor Theologian consultation held in October 20-22, 2010, in Colorado Springs, sponsored by the Office of Theology and Worship. This particular consultation invited 13 Korean American pastors representing generations and gender. The theological engagement focused on the event at the 219th General Assembly held in Minneapolis that led to the defeat of the motion to create another Korean language presbytery.
On Korean Language Presbyteries at the 219th General Assembly by Kevin Park
Tapping the Living Water by Theresa Cho
Theological Reflection by Irene Pak
Rooted and Built Up in Christ by Yena Hwang
The other kids by David Choi
Some Thoughts and Feelings by Eun Joo Kim
Theological Reflections on Korean American Theology and Ministry by Grace Ji-Sun Kim
iDentity by Hak Joon Lee
Theological Reflection by Hardy Kim
Theological Reflection by Kevin Park
Reflection for Pastor Theologian Consultation by Kil Jae Park
Feminine & Masculine Nature of God, the Church & a Person by Martin Han (to be posted)
The One who sings the song of Rehoboth by Pastor Young Ghil Lee
Zelophehad’s Daughters by Jung Sook Kim
A Reflection by Mary Paik
For more information, contact:
Charles Wiley
Coordinator for the Office of Theology and Worship
(888) 728-7228 x5734
Fax: (502) 569-8060
The Pastor-Theologian Program is administered through the Office of Theology and Worship, a ministry of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
