We young pastors are the blue column…. but the whole story (by the UMC news service) is hopeful. But, the average age of United Methodist clergy has ALSO reached a historic high. (In the second story, I would be counted as one of the young local pastors.)

In regards to young clergy, I’m curious about any details beyond mere numbers: Why are young people entering the ministry? Are their/our reasons different than those of other generations? Why was there such a drop-off between 1978 and 2000? What other demographics are a factor? What type of ministries are young UMC pastors interested in? What type of ministries are they actually able to put into place?

Full Story: Study shows young clergy increasing.