WHAT'S it really like to be a pastor? There are twelve Seminary students from Andrews University who can answer this question more realistically after having participated in an experimental field training school in Glendale, California, this past summer. The field school incorporated many of the practical duties of a pastor and served as a real learning experience.
This program, open only to second-year students who had already spent one summer in a field school of evangelism, offered training for hospital chaplains, for leadership in the lay and MV activities of a church, and for workers in the inner city. The program was conducted by Elder John Robertson of the Vallejo Drive church in Glendale.
While working in the Glendale Adventist Hospital, the seminarians were taught that the chaplain's work is part of a team effort with the physician and nurse for the good of the patient. The students participated in baby dedications, bedside visitation, presurgery counseling, employee worship, employee counseling, and follow-up "Love in Action," in the homes of several patients, under the direction of Elder G. Edward Bryan, head chaplain.
Also, the young ministers received, and gave, instruction as they learned to teach laymen how to give Bible studies, and then helped the laymen of the Vallejo Drive church to go out to give the studies.
All of the men involved are now serving as pastors or assistant pastors in their various conferences.
