Under the conventional approach, a gifted young preacher and Bible teacher can, if he chooses, enter directly into vocational ministry right out of Bible College or Seminary. But in doing so, he often skips past the season of managing his own household that normally serves to temper a young man’s moral character and develop his competence in leadership. He is thrust by modern ministry demands into routines that can undermine his biblical qualifications for church office. These young ministers often leave bible college or seminary with large debts, due to the ever rising costs of such an education, and have no trade outside of vocational ministry.
On the other hand, there are those who have the character qualifications for pastoral eldership, but lack the theological training and practical skills necessary to engage such an office effectively. Formal education is still one of the best ways that a man, called to the ministry, can devote himself to rigorous theological education and the development of counseling, writing, and rhetorical skills.
Within this tension, the Paul and Timothy Project was born. We desire to be agents of reform to the way pastors and elders are trained in the local church. We believe that a more biblical foundation for the training and preparation of elders in the Church must encompass five primary areas:
1. Theological Education <<
2. Mentorship <<
3. Pre-eldership Ministry <<
4. Character Development <<
5. Pastoral Skills <<
