Overview

Phase 1: Pastoral Desire

Phase One fans the flame of men who desire to become a pastor. Churches should identify, recruit, and encourage potential pastors with pastoral gifting to consider pastoral ministry. This phase helps men investigate whether the pastorate is a possible path for them. 

Phase 2: Pastoral Pursuit

Phase Two begins narrowing down all the possible avenues to a concentration of a path to the pastorate. Getting involved in one’s church and developing one’s gifts within the local church is key in this phase to help the potential pastor determine whether to continue pursuing pastoral ministry. Often college and summer ministries help the initial growth and confirmation of a call to ministry, especially for many young men in their college years.

Phase 3: Shepherd Apprenticeship

Phase Three is a pastoral apprenticeship that combines seminary training, everyday pastoral experience, and intense local church discipleship. While pursuing theological training, the apprentice is mentored by an effective shepherd resulting in a balanced development of head, heart, and hands. The design is for the apprentice to be full-time with both church and theological training, concluding with the ordination of the apprentice who will become a faithful pastor.