overheard…

in leadership formation and the declining cost of information stephen shields makes a cogent argument for contextualized leadership training. shields believes that the economic and spatial accessibility of biblical studies and theology resources makes attending distant seminaries and bible colleges less and less necessary. thus, instead of leaving the ministry contexts we are called to in order to study, shields believes most people would be better served by staying where they are, digging deeply into biblical studies and theology and – this is the most important part – finding a mentor or spiritual director that will help us develop the character that pastoral ministry requires. i think that this type of contextual leadership training will be one of the most positive legacies of the mega-church movement. over the past four years i’ve become personally acquainted with the leadership development program instituted by one innovative mega-church and have been completely overwhelmed by the quality of training they provide. i realize that all contextual leadership programs are not created equal, but i still think this trend is one that will be beneficial for the church at large.

in last month’s next-wave drew mosier penned a somewhat similar article on how technology is changing the face of theological formulation. if you dig shield’s article, you’ll enjoy drew’s insightful piece as well.

finally, elijah wyman, a local musician and friend of the sinners and saints community recently penned this piece that challenges us to relinquish our fear of pain and learn the fundamentals of happiness. i realize that there is a good deal of wise, godly instruction in this article and am only a little short of desperate to practice the fundamentals that elijah professes. thank you for turning us on to the sacramental truths that are buried inside your, and our, suffering ew.