Educational preparation of ministers is very important for the Church of the Nazarene. While flexibility in preparation paths is part of our heritage, there has been some concern in recent years that formal preparation in Nazarene schools is no longer the path most often chosen. The church is concerned both that there will be enough ministers to accomplish the mission and that new ministers will be appropriately educated and otherwise prepared for their assignments. The chart below shows changes in the paths chosen by newly ordained elders and deacons in the USA and Canada over the last 20 years.

We have not required a specific educational path. In fact, we intend to "utilize as much flexibility in delivery systems as is feasible to make adequate preparation available to every person called by God to ministry in the Church" (Manual 2001-2005, 424.1). Still, the USA Sourcebook for Ministerial Development suggests that "The ideal path for educational preparation for ministry in the Church of the Nazarene is a bachelor's degree from one of the Nazarene colleges and a graduate degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary."

As indicated on the chart, the percentage reporting that they attended at least one of the Nazarene colleges and/or Nazarene Theological Seminary (NTS) declined 15% over the twenty years - from 76% in 1985 to 61% in 2004. Educational preparation in one or more of these institutions remains the path most often chosen. In an ANSR Poll of pastors in 2001, 45% of the responding pastors said they had done at least half of their educational preparation for ministry at one or more of the Nazarene liberal arts college. One in five (21%) indicated half or more at NTS and 17% did at least half at Nazarene Bible College. Completing a significant amount of education at more than one institution is not uncommon. Many report studying at more than one of the Nazarene colleges or universities, and many report progressing from one or more of the colleges to NTS.

The percentage reporting some other Nazarene educational experience, although none at NTS or one of the Nazarene colleges in the USA or Canada, has risen 6% - from 2% in 1985 to 8% in 2004. Since it is quite likely that not all alternative Nazarene educational experiences are reported, these actual percentages are probably somewhat higher. In fact, according to the 2001 ANSR Poll, significant minorities of pastors say they completed at least half of their ministerial education through the Directed Study Program (17%), or District Centers (7%).

The percentage not reporting any Nazarene school attended has increased 9% over the twenty years - from 22% in 1985 to 31% in 2004. However, since alternative Nazarene education is most likely not fully reported, the actual percentage with no reported Nazarene educational experience is in all probability somewhat lower than shown here.

While there has been significant change over the last twenty years, formal preparation in accredited Nazarene schools remains the path most often chosen. Individual circumstances, subcultures served, differences in abilities, and accessible opportunities influence choices among the educational options. Changes in our delivery of education for ministry, like the Modular Course of Study, are improving access to education.

Sustaining a corps of ministers large enough for the mission God has given the denomination, and appropriately preparing every person called by God to ministry in the Church of the Nazarene, is a great undertaking. The church is, of course, always dependent on God. Jesus challenged us to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send forth workers (Matthew 9:38). While there are many reasons for concern, it may be that, as in the past, our Lord will call enough workers to meet the needs of the harvest, that Nazarene Christians will, as in the past, respond in obedience to that call, and that the church will continue to find ways to appropriately prepare those whom God is calling. Let's pray that it will be so.

When disasters such as 9/11 or the recent hurricanes focus our attention on the needs of others, most of us want to be involved in giving money, material goods, or even our time and labor. But what percentage of Nazarenes report doing such acts of compassion when the events are not headline news? During a worship service in April and May of 2001 over 6,000 Nazarenes in over 100 churches responded to the U.S. Congregational Life Survey, which included a few questions about community service and compassion.

Some Nazarenes are serving their communities through their local church. When asked, "Do you regularly take part in any activities of this congregation that reach out to the wider community," 21% responded, "Yes, in community service, social justice or advocacy activities of the congregation." However, just as many report serving through groups outside of the church. When asked, "Are you involved in any community service, social service, or advocacy groups not connected to this congregation" 21% said, "Yes, social service or charity groups."

The survey also asked, "In the last 12 months, have you done any of the following?" Sixty percent indicated that they had "Donated money to a charitable organization other than their congregation." Forty-eight percent said they, "Donated or prepared food for someone outside their family or congregation." And 23% reported that they, "Cared for someone outside their family who was very sick."

It is interesting to note that there are just as many people involved with charities and service groups that are outside of the local church as there are within the church. This response by Nazarenes seems to fit the meaning of Jesus' parable of the good Samaritan-we should be neighbors to anyone in need, finding opportunities to be involved in service and compassion both within and outside the local church.