The schools could assist the screening process in regard to commitment, integrity, and responsibility. There is a need for some measurement of where students are on their faith journey and the observation s of administration and faculty on a continuing basis would be invaluable. A working arrangement that respects legal limits and confidentiality should be developed. The qualities most needed in pastoral leadership focus around the consensus that the church is looking for called and committed persons who will make a difference in society and who are able to prepare others in making a difference. It is devastating to a congregatio n to learn that the preacher either doesn't believe what he or she is preaching or doesn't act it out in personal living.
Integrity is the currency that ordained ministry needs to have in abundance.
Good leaders produce good leaders. This care can have a profound effect on the quality of ordained ministry. There is need for a wholistic image of ministry and a clear assumption of specific responsibilities by all groups in the process. The experience of qualifying candidates for ministry should not be a blame game, but rather one where the church at all levels responsibly views the potential of those who offer themselves for its ministry. Personal integrity is the currency that clergy need to have in abundance.