First Nation's Pastoral Training School

(You will need to turn up your volume)

On May 25, 2014, Pastor Jim shared the Elder's vision for further missions outreach.  The plan is to develop a Pastoral Training School for First Nation's people.  After the presentation questions and comments were received.  The following questions and answers are offered in reply: (We have lumped them together and the questions are summarized.)

#1. There was a question about others (perhaps in our church) participating in the sessions.  We will bring that up at a time closer to the start of the school.  One of the secondary aims would be to build "community" among the students and it would be important that this ideal be maintained.

#2.   There were a number of questions about issues of native spirituality, current issues of violence and abuse; and  issues of reconciliation, forgiveness, etc. and how these would be addressed.  The Gospel, as truly understood and applied is the basis of all forgiveness and reconciliation.  That truth is trans-cultural. Apart from a vital relationship with Christ and the application of His Word, by His Spirit, there can be no peace.  As important as it is for the Church to assist in practical issues of justice and healing; the ultimate way this will happen is through the creation of new life that comes only by the Gospel. The goal of this training is not to equip pastors to specifically address this.  The goal of this training is to help the student be able to read, interpret and teach the Bible.  There is a context where these issues need to be addressed but it cannot be this one. 

Our uncompromising commitment to the sufficiency of God's Word renders us confident that biblically trained pastors can address this (2 Timothy 3:16-18). It is within the formation of the Body of Christ in a First Nation's community that provides a new community within a community to love and accept people.

The essential need to have these newly equipped pastors connected to older mentors and encourages will assist in the certainty of them facing difficult ethical and cultural problems.

#3.   Have we considered the possibility of providing a financial donation to replace lost wages by prospective students?  No; and we will.  That's a good idea.

#4.   How will you ensure that this local church initiative doesn't become a para-church or large institute?   By maintaining the goal of only 6 students per session, by keeping a lid on the enrollment it will be kept at the optimum size and manageable.  If there are greater applicants then we would encourage other churches to pick up the baton.

#5.   Where will the pastor's come from?  We are looking specifically at Keehewin Cree Nation; Elizabeth Settlement; Cold Lake First Nations; Fishing Lake Settlement; Frog Lake First Nations; Saddle Lake Cree Nation; Whitefish (Goodfish) First Nations; Beaver Lake Cree Nations; and Heart Lake First Nations; Buffalo Lake Settlement; Kikino Settlement;  for starters.

#6.   The question of literacy was raised. There would have to be some threshold knowledge level prior to attending such training.  As was mentioned there would need to be some pre-work done before each course.