I read Principal Vissers’ March article entitled Teaching The Teaching Elders with great interest. As a theological student who has a great respect for the historical witness of the Reformed Church and its accompanying doctrine, there was much to celebrate in Vissers’ treatment of Calvin’s case for theological education. My concern though was the lack of contemporary analogue or connection to candidates being “examined … on their morals.” I am only too aware of my past shortcomings, stumblings and even blatant sins. And for that I continually turn to Jesus whether in Lent or some other time in the liturgical calendar. But, my interest is not in after the fact guilt and censure, repentance and forgivenness or even being able to articulate the need for these things theologically. Rather my interest is where and how are we to learn of spiritual resources for running the course before us so that our ethical decision-making is seen in the light of Christ, and not just as candidates for ministry but as believers. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
While I don’t know the publication schedule of the Record, I found it painfully ironic that the month after a cover story on the mental health of clergy there was no explicit treatment of spiritual formation and the discipline of prayer (i.e., putting on the whole armour of God) in Vissers’ article as a necessary component in preparing/equipping transformational church leaders. Perhaps Calvin was silent on this and Vissers was being true to the Genevan Reformer. Perhaps there was a limit on the word count the Principal could submit. Perhaps our moderator’s missive in the same issue is a necessary complement to Vissers’ effort and they need to be read in tandem.
Perhaps, it’s good I’m still a student and may one day learn to connect the work of my hands, with the thoughts of my head, and the movements of my heart. I’ll definitely go and pray on it.
