Seminary enrollment had slowed, and concern had been rising over how future pastoral vacancies would be filled. Although pastors' salaries are marginally smaller in eastern conferences, he does not believe that factor contributes significantly to the shortage. He welcomes outsiders like Sloan. It is a concept he likes because it means his ministry in Chemnitz is a two-way street. East German spirituality is vibrant.
Faith means a lot more to people here.
They depend on it. It cost them to be Christian in communist times, and people here seem more committed. Sloan also sees the effect of the low profile that church members maintained under communism. More than a few of his parishioners raised a curious eyebrow after he papered his neighborhood with more than 300 fliers promoting Christmas services. But a church steward encouraged Sloan to keep pressing for more church outreach among Chemnitz's 350,000 residents.