Abstract:
Competency based adult education and theological education are synthesized to identify a core of minimal competencies needed by beginning pastors of congregations of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) in the United States. Research methods are qualitative and descriptive, using triangulation to increase dependability. Triangulation involves multiple methods (literature review, interviews, and surveys) and multiple populations (ancient authorities, contemporary authorities, pastors, lay people, and seminary professors). The most dependable conclusions reached are those suggested by all methods and populations.The theory and practice of competency based adult education are presented. Theological education is reviewed through history, across denominations, and in the church of God. Examples of competency based theological education are presented.The most important competencies identified for beginning pastors are attitudinal (affective domain): honesty, integrity, love for God and people, personal belief in the gospel, being filled with the Holy Spirit, commitment to Christian standards, a sense of being called to ministry, and a strong commitment to ministry.Other important competencies are knowledge (cognitive domain): the nature and content of biblical literature, techniques of exegesis and interpretation, pastoral methods, and knowledge of people in their social setting. Important skill competencies (psychomotor domain) are also identified: leadership, communication and human relationships, biblical exegesis and interpretation, and personal devotional skills.