Called and Equipped

Called and Equipped explores how far ministerial formation prepares those called to ordained local church ministry for the lived realities of congregational leadership. Based on the experience of two cohorts of Baptist ministers at the conclusion of their Initial Ministerial Education (IME), the research uses the competency-based framework developed by the Baptist Union of Great Britain as a tool to enable the ministers to reflect on their experience. The research covers the five years of IME and distinguishes between the formation delivered pre and post ordination. While the outcomes relating to each of the five Baptist colleges remain confidential, the profile produced for those entering accredited Baptist ministry through other routes is included. The results are used as indicative markers for recommendations to strengthen present practice. For those involved in ministerial formation and interested in the competency-based approach to evaluation, this is a fascinating study.