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Dr. Edward F. Barrow and Postulants of his Practical Ministry Class
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Dr. Edward F. Barrow’s
Christian mission is not only concerning the preaching of the word of God
but also to equip and enhance postulants and clergy with knowledge and
proficiency in their ministry.
In a recent interview,
Dr. Barrow who is Archbishop of the Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese of New
York, Inc. explained, “Regardless of one’s academic or theological
qualifications, it is necessary that postulants and clergy go through a
period of training in Practical Ministry.”
He noted, “As a result
there is an Archdiocesan sponsored a seminar and workshop covering Church
Organization and Structure, Church Administration and Delegated Leadership,
Public Ministry, Rituals and Ceremonies, Pastoral Counseling and Ministerial
Ethics etc.”
He also added that with
such training in addition to other qualifications, members of the clergy can
minister to an ecumenical congregation without being embarrassed.
In March 2007, he began
the first in a series of a twelve (12 week) session teaching in a practical
ministry seminar and workshop for members of the clergy as well as would be
members.
He explained, “In the
past, the Spiritual Baptist Faith existed in the shadow of other Faiths as
it sought to be recognized and legalized. Today, we are no more in the
shadows of any Faith. We are a legally recognized religious Faith, equal
with all other religious Faiths in the world. We are not only functioning
parochially, but are now in Public Ministry and as such must become
proficient in our religious undertakings.”
Dr. Barrow continued,
“There are standardized procedures that are used in Christian wedding
ceremonies, funeral services, dedications, etc. and a minister would require
training to perform them well, and not become an embarrassment to themselves
and to the Faith. This can only be done through proper training and
practice. Hence, the necessity for seminars and workshops training for
postulant preparation become imperative.”
Dr. Barrow added, ”There
is a strict process in place for prospective Postulants as outlined in the
Archdiocesan Policy Statement on ordination to the various departmental
ministries and which was sent out to the member churches. This is
culminated with a final interview conducted by the Commission on Ministry.”
Why a selection process
after an individual has completed theological studies and the class
successfully?
Dr. Barrow ended, “A
person may be willing and brilliant but may not have the character to be in
public ministry. A person in ministry must be called and possess the ethical
and moral characteristics for ministry, in addition, they must be
representative of all the fruits of the spirit.”
