​The Pastoral Training Program is a two-year on-site course of reading, mentorship, and practical experience that prepares men for pastoral ministry.

 

Objectives

​

In keeping with the descriptions of pastoral ministry in Acts 20, 1 Timothy 3, and Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5, as well as other passages in the New Testament, the Pastoral Training Program is for men who “aspire to the office of overseer,” and whose character is “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:1-2). Accordingly, the program focuses on (1) cultivating pastoral character, (2) instilling pastoral convictions, and (3) equipping with pastoral competencies.

Thus, the object of the program is to prepare men whose character, convictions, and competencies make them eligible for pastoral ministry, whether as a lead pastor, associate pastor, or non-staff pastor/elder.

​

Tracks

​

Pastoral Residency Track

​

The Pastoral Residency Track is for postgraduate men employed by the church as pastoral residents. Specific duties and requirements for their employment are laid out in their job descriptions and the employee handbook. The program culminates in an ordination examination and efforts to place the ordinee in a staff position in a church.

​

Non-Staff Pastor Track

​

The Non-staff Pastor Track is for members of Trinity Baptist Church wishing to receive training for pastoral ministry. The program culminates in an ordination examination and prepares men to serve as non-staff pastors.

The primary difference between the two tracks is that the Pastoral Residency Track comes with expectations of employment and compensation, whereas the Non-Staff Pastor does not. Both tracks, especially the Non-Staff Pastor Track, may be adjusted to meet specific life circumstances, personal aptitude, and prior experience.

​

The essential point of commonality between the two is that they both seek to prepare participants for the essentials of pastoral ministry, in whatever shape that ministry takes (staff or non-staff, lead, associate, etc.)

 

Areas of Focus

​

Pastoral Character: Who You Are

​​​

Pastors must be “above reproach.” This means that their behavior commends, rather than contradicts, their ministry. Moreover, this behavior is not mere rigid conformity, but heartfelt, Spirit-guided obedience to God. The Pastoral Training Program aims to cultivate good pastoral character.

​

Pastoral Convictions: What You Know

​

Pastors must “be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke [refute] those who contradict it,” (Titus 1:9). This requires an in-depth understanding of Biblical theology, systematic theology, and pastoral theology.

 

Pastoral Competencies: What You Do

​

Pastors give themselves to “prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). This means that they must be trained in the practice of personal and public prayer. They must also have the skill set for communicating Scripture in both formal (preaching) and informal (“counseling”) contexts. In addition, pastors must have competence as leaders and managers; for, as Scripture says, “if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” (1 Timothy 3:5).

​

Method

​

For Developing Pastoral Character

​​​

Current pastors will regularly evaluate the participants’ character, providing feedback for areas of improvement. Participants read and discuss assigned books on spiritual formation.

 

For Developing Pastoral Convictions

​

Participants will read the assigned books and submit a doctrinal statement due by the end of the program.

​

For Developing Pastoral Competencies

​

Participants will engage in ministries that will stretch and broaden their experience. (Specific areas of ministries will be determined in collaboration with current pastors.) Participants will read and discuss books on prayer, preaching, counseling, and leadership. For preaching and teaching, participants will be evaluated at least once per month on a sermon or lesson they deliver. For leadership, participants will be given areas of ministry to oversee and evaluated/mentored on a weekly basis.

​

Interested in the residency track? Complete the inquiry form.