wfn.org | Presbytery in Taipei Seeks Upper Age Limit on Divinity Students

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Taiwan Church News 2760,  17-23 January 2005

Reported by Yang Shu-hao. Translated and Rewritten by David Alexander

In recent years the average age of persons seeking endorsement to study for
the Master of Divinity degree in the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan has
risen. Some who seek approval and scholarship aid are retirees from full
careers in the civil service or corporate world. This foreshortens the
potential period during which, after taking their degrees, they will be
available for church service. Some members of the clergy have expressed
anxiety that the resources of theological education are being expended for
too little return.

The executive committee of Seven Stars Presbytery recently passed a motion
and has sent it to the entire presbytery for approval on 24th January to
limit endorsement of and scholarship aid to ministerial candidates under
the age of 40. Should the presbytery pass the motion it will be sent to the
General Assembly for consideration at the annual meeting late in March.

Presbytery Moderator Chang Chin-cheng said, ¡§We must support all sisters
and brothers called to ministry, no matter what their age. But many can
study, taking credits as electives towards certificates without enrolling
for the Master of Divinity degree.¡¨

Rev. Chang admits that many of the older applicants are highlyly
experienced in social life, and hopes that they can serve God with loving
hearts. But to register for the entrance exam and enroll for the degree is
a drain on theological education resources. Though they come with support
from their home congregations, he wonders if this may not be the best
stewardship of church resources.  ¡§If we are really concerned about the
development of mission and ministry, we must ask and answer this question.¡¨

The Rev. Hsu Hsin-tao, the presbytery¡¦s secretary, said, ¡§The offer of
one¡¦s self for gospel ministry must take advantage of one¡¦s youth.¡¨  He
described ministerial training as a process of three years of full time
schooling followed by 2 to 3 years of internship in a local congregation.
If a person comes to training who, upon finishing this preparation, will
have available only a further one or two years to serve before retirement,
the conflict can be seen.

¡§That being said, we cannot deny that in society older people have made
and do make great contributions.¡¨ He said that this is not a limitation on
who may dedicate himself or herself to the calling of the service of God,
but he separates pastoral ministry from other occupations. Church work can
require dealing with children in Sunday school, adolescents in youth
groups, women¡¦s fellowships and various other age and gender specific
groups. For example, work with youth, helping them to understand and think
through their problems with a young mindset, can sometimes tax an
inexperienced minister of advanced years.  He called for deep thought and
consideration of the matter at his Presbytery and at the General Assembly
level.

For More Information: Seven Stars Presbytery star@ms2.pct.org.tw

Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Taiwan's local languages.

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