Rough Drafts on Black Adventist Lifestyle and Theology
Clerical Tenure, Theological Alignment, and Ordination Dynamics
Having met a generation of preachers during my time at Oakwood and subsequently witnessing departures from Adventism, I find myself pondering ordination bodies regarding the theological positions held by candidates.
I’m not speaking as someone in the know or with a judgmental tone, but rather considering what could have been observable through the sharing of various perspectives in public settings (Church & social media).
While such perspectives shouldn’t automatically disqualify someone as a candidate, perhaps they should warrant a degree of caution and delay. A candidate might be in the process of working through certain theological ideas and could eventually align with the church’s doctrines. Conversely, they might be exploring concepts that lead them to positions contrary to those of the church.
All this to say, in some cases, did they really not see it coming? Were there signs or discussions that hinted at potential theological conflicts which were overlooked or dismissed? By addressing these questions, we can better understand the dynamics at play and consider how ordination bodies might more effectively engage with candidates during their formative years.
- What percentage of current ordained Black SDA pastors have issues with SDA theology?
- For those who leave, how soon after ordination do they begin to voice disagreements with SDA theology or decide to leave the church?
- What percentage of ordained Black SDA pastors remain in the church?
- For those who remain, how long do they typically stay in their ordained roles?
