This is a central challenge facing the Reformed Church in America congregational leadership for our future. The shortage of available pastors, particularly in some regions, is alarming. In the Heartland region Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas, etc. In upstate New York, nearly one church in four has a pastoral vacancy. In some cases the issue is economic.
Small congregations find it difficult to afford and attract a full-time pastor.
But overall, the demand for pastors is exceeding the supply. With our plan to start eighty new churches in the near future, our need will grow. Presently we are launching an in-depth study of projected future needs for pastoral leadership. Re-think the training process. An important debate is underway about how best to prepare those called to the pastoral ministry.