110 NINETEENTH llEFOKT. 



Here direction of church work flows from the district council to the 

 pastor and thence to the heads of the departments of work, not from the 

 pastor nor official board as originators. This is similar to the organiza- 

 tion of our public school system. The strength of such a system becomes . 

 apparent when we consider the present position and qualifications of the 

 average pastor. The average pastor is not qualified to plan, organize, 

 and conduct so far reaching a program as will be expected of the future 

 church. He must be directed and assisted by a superior authority. 

 Especially is this true of the country pastor. In the past we have been 

 sending to our rural churches either old men, incapacitated for active 

 service, or young men entering upon their first pastoral experience. The 

 meager salaries paid have made it impossible to send more competent 

 men. When the surplus number of country churches becomes eliminated, 

 however, and when a new, living program is instituted, there is going 

 to be a steady increase of salaries. This means that more capable young 

 men are going to be drawn to the ministry. And since the number of 

 appointments will be reduced, we may feel confident of a much superior 

 pastorate. Nevertheless, well qualified as the coming pastor may be, 

 lie will not by himself be able to study out, and satisfactorily solve, 

 every need of his parish. He must be more or less dependent upon 

 authority above him to guide and instruct him. 



If recent alterations in the curricula of theological seminaries may be 

 taken as a criterion, there is due a much improved academic training 

 for the ministry. That of the past has been narrowly ecclesiastical. 

 There has been too much straight-jacket confinement to Bible study, 

 systematic theology, and church history, with the consequence that the 

 average i)astor has been incapable of participating in the broader ques- 

 tion of his time. There is, liowever, increased emphasis now being placed 

 upon studies of a broader social and cultural nature. This must inevitably 

 conduce to the development of a charitable, sympathetic, and more 

 adaptable and versatile ministry. We need a ministry with not only a 

 strictly acadamic training, but with preparation in various lines of social 

 work. The religion of the future promises to be colored with ideals of 

 social service. The successful pastor, therefore, will be he who is 

 proficient in dealing with the social situation. And in addition to this, 

 there is a crying need that ever\' man prejiaring for the ministry be 

 given a training in the principles of church administration. The future 

 church, according to present indications, will make heavy demands upon 

 the administrative ability of the j)astor. Indeed, its success will depend 

 largely upon the leadersliip, constructive i)owers, and perspicacity of 

 the pastorate. 'I'lic successful pastor will be the center of quickening 



