JACKSON, Tenn. — July 24, 2018 — 51社区 has joined with three other Southern Baptist schools to launch the Call to Ministry Network. The network seeks to identify and encourage people in Baptist churches who have sensed a call to ministry service.
Ray Van Neste, dean of Union鈥檚 School of Theology and Missions, said the call to ministry is not discussed as much in many Baptist churches and institutions as it has been in the past, and this initiative is a way to help young people and churches discuss and discern that calling.
鈥淚n the School of Theology and Missions, we are full-bore in on encouraging people to consider a calling to vocational ministry and doing everything we can to help train and support people for ministry,鈥� Van Neste said. 鈥淲e want to raise the banner of helping young people understand a call to ministry, understand if God is calling them to various kinds of ministry.鈥�
The Call to Ministry Network is a partnership between Union, Anderson University, California Baptist University and Oklahoma Baptist University, launched during the Southern Baptist Pastors鈥� Conference in June. LifeWay Christian Resources and the North American Mission Board will also partner in providing resources for the network.
Van Neste said the network鈥檚 website, , will be the main way the network will provide resources to those considering a call. Members from the four partner institutions will contribute articles or columns to the website, which also includes links to learn more about those institutions鈥� ministry training programs.
鈥淭hese will be resources really aimed at students, helping them weigh and discern a call,鈥� Van Neste said.
He said the website will also provide resources for pastors as they shepherd those considering a call to ministry.
In addition to the website, the network plans to host The Call conferences at each of the partner institutions, beginning with conferences at Oklahoma Baptist University August 25 and Anderson University September 8.
鈥淲e are glad to be in partnership with these other sister schools on a shared mission to champion the call to ministry,鈥� Van Neste said. More information the Call to Ministry Network can be found at .