The recognition of God’s calling does not lie with a seminary or even with an individual. It is an act of the Spirit, leading a congregation to ordain a man (or woman) – to literally recognize the Spirit’s gifting in that person in that congregation. If we placed this responsibility in the hands of God’s people rather than basing it on their GPA and ability to interview well, I think the issues the research addresses would be minimalized.

Yes, but how is one to know whether a pastor is chosen, gifted and called? According to Barna research that I have read, many seminary graduates drop out of the ministry after several years for various reasons. Also it may be unknown to the congregation, but it many successful pastors (those that are able to earn a living from being a pastor) also struggle with the same sins as the congregation. Viewing pornography was mentioned in the research. Therefore, the success of a pastor may have more to due with personality and marketing than being chosen, gifted and called.

When he was in college, his mother called him “Timmy” so often in the press that it was obvious who is in control of the machine that is “Tebowmania.” When he breaks free from that, I think we’ll see him stumble a bit (like a real human being) and then do some great things.

Of course, he is also in the AFC so I have to cheer for him to lose whenever he faces the Pats. That’s just a law of nature. I like Peyton Manning too, but when he’s playing New England, he is the enemy.

On a side note, our congregation celebrated the Sunday that I managed to preach for under 45 minutes. For years, it was not uncommon for me preach for an hour. I hover around 35 minutes per week now, but I got down to that by changing my approach and going from three or four big ideas to one per week.