Project – An examination of the Concept of the call into full-time pastoral ministry case study The Apostolic Church Cameroon.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The concept of the call to full-time pastoral ministry has long been a significant theological and ecclesiological topic in the Christian tradition. The “call” to ministry refers to the divine invitation and personal commitment of individuals to serve God and the church in a vocational capacity. This call is often understood as a spiritual experience where individuals feel a deep sense of responsibility and purpose to dedicate their lives to preaching the gospel, shepherding believers, and leading the congregation (Müller, 2018). In Pentecostal and Charismatic circles, such as The Apostolic Church Cameroon, the call to full-time ministry is often seen as a divine anointing or empowerment by the Holy Spirit. This section of the literature review explores the biblical and theological foundations of the pastoral call, its significance within the Christian church, and its application within the specific context of The Apostolic Church in Cameroon.

Biblically, the concept of the call into ministry is deeply rooted in scripture. The Old and New Testaments highlight that God chooses individuals to fulfill His purposes in various capacities, including pastoral leadership. Key biblical figures such as Moses (Exodus 3:10), Samuel (1 Samuel 3), and Paul (Acts 9) exemplify how God’s call to ministry often involves a personal, direct encounter with God that leads to a transformed life and a commitment to serve the community. In the New Testament, Jesus calls His disciples to “follow Me” (Matthew 4:19), and the Apostle Paul speaks of being “called by God” to the apostleship (Romans 1:1). These scriptures underline that the call is both a divine imperative and a personal decision that demands total surrender and commitment. As such, it remains a central aspect of Christian identity and ministry across denominations, including The Apostolic Church Cameroon (Oduro, 2019).

The process of recognizing and responding to God’s call into full-time pastoral ministry is multifaceted and involves personal conviction, community affirmation, and theological training. Research indicates that individuals often experience a deep inner conviction that they are called to pastoral ministry, which is confirmed through prayer, reflection, and the counsel of others within the faith community (Adams, 2020). In the context of The Apostolic Church Cameroon, it is common for aspiring pastors to undergo a period of discernment, which involves spiritual mentoring and guidance from senior leaders in the church. This process of spiritual formation ensures that individuals are equipped both spiritually and practically for the challenges of pastoral work. The church also provides theological training through schools or institutions affiliated with the Pentecostal movement to ensure that pastors have a sound understanding of biblical teachings, church history, and pastoral care.

The role of the Holy Spirit in the call to pastoral ministry is a prominent aspect in Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions. For churches like The Apostolic Church Cameroon, the experience of the Holy Spirit is often seen as central to the calling of pastors. According to Pentecostal theology, the Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts and empowers them for ministry (Gunn, 2021). This empowerment is believed to affirm the individual’s readiness and capacity to serve in a leadership role. As such, the call to full-time ministry is not only about personal desire or ambition but also about the Spirit’s work in the life of the individual and the church. In this regard, the theological framework in The Apostolic Church Cameroon emphasizes the charismatic nature of the pastoral call, affirming that ministry is ultimately a response to God’s work in the life of the believer (Oduro, 2019).

Furthermore, the concept of the call to ministry within The Apostolic Church Cameroon is closely linked to the church’s mission and vision. As a Pentecostal denomination with a strong emphasis on evangelism and church planting, the pastoral call is often seen as an invitation to contribute to the church’s global mission. The church’s growth and expansion in Cameroon, as well as its global outreach efforts, rely heavily on the willingness of individuals to respond to the call of full-time ministry (Gunn, 2021). Pastors are expected to lead by example, embodying the values of holiness, service, and devotion to the gospel message. The role of the pastor is not merely to serve the local congregation but also to participate in the broader mission of the church in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). As such, the call to pastoral ministry is closely linked to a sense of purpose that extends beyond the individual’s personal fulfillment to a broader ecclesial mission.

Finally, challenges faced by individuals called to full-time pastoral ministry are prevalent in many contexts, and The Apostolic Church Cameroon is no exception. One of the primary challenges includes the financial and emotional strains of pastoral work, which can often lead to burnout and attrition among clergy members. While many pastors in the church receive stipends or support, the financial sustainability of pastoral ministry is often a significant issue (Müller, 2018). Additionally, the emotional demands of counseling, leading a congregation, and managing church growth can place considerable stress on pastors and their families. These challenges highlight the need for effective pastoral care and support systems within the church, including mentorship programs and professional development opportunities. Addressing these issues can ensure that pastors remain spiritually nourished, well-trained, and committed to their calling for the long term.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

The concept of the call into full-time pastoral ministry has been a foundational aspect of Christian theology and practice, particularly within Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions. However, despite its centrality in the life of the church, the process by which individuals discern, respond to, and fulfill the call to full-time ministry remains insufficiently studied, especially in specific cultural contexts. In particular, the experience of the call in The Apostolic Church Cameroon is underexplored, despite the church’s rapid growth and significant influence in Cameroon’s Pentecostal landscape. This gap in research raises important questions about the theological, spiritual, and practical dimensions of the pastoral call in this context, particularly regarding how it is understood, affirmed, and supported within the church community.

The problem is particularly pertinent because many individuals in The Apostolic Church Cameroon experience a deep personal conviction about their call to ministry, yet the pathways to fully understanding and fulfilling that calling are often unclear and under-resourced. While the church offers some form of spiritual guidance and mentorship, the specific challenges and needs of those called into full-time ministry—such as theological training, emotional and financial support, and practical preparation—are not systematically addressed in existing literature. Consequently, many pastors in The Apostolic Church Cameroon struggle with feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and burnout, as they navigate their roles without adequate preparation or sustained support, leading to potentially negative outcomes both for the pastors themselves and for the congregations they serve.

Additionally, there is a lack of clear frameworks for understanding the intersection of personal experiences of the call and the church’s collective understanding of ministry within The Apostolic Church Cameroon. Many individuals who feel called to ministry may experience tension between their personal sense of calling and the institutional expectations of the church. This disconnect can hinder the effective integration of pastors into the life and mission of the church, as they may not fully align with the church’s specific vision, priorities, and the pastoral roles required by the denomination. As such, there is a need for further research on how the church’s theological convictions, its structure, and its culture influence the discernment and formation of those called to full-time pastoral ministry.

Moreover, the role of the Holy Spirit in the discernment process is a critical yet understudied aspect of the pastoral call in The Apostolic Church Cameroon. Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding individuals into ministry, yet the specific experiences and manifestations of this calling remain inadequately explored. Understanding how the Holy Spirit’s empowerment is perceived, experienced, and affirmed within the church can offer valuable insights into the spiritual and theological dynamics that shape the pastoral calling. Without this understanding, it is difficult to assess the role of divine intervention in the process and how that aligns with human agency and decision-making within the context of pastoral leadership.

Furthermore, the broader ecclesial and societal context within which The Apostolic Church Cameroon operates also presents significant challenges in the pastoral calling. Cameroon, like many African nations, faces socio-economic challenges, political instability, and a rapidly changing religious landscape. These external factors affect both the church’s growth and the pastoral ministry’s effectiveness. The pressures of managing church growth, meeting the needs of diverse congregants, and balancing pastoral work with societal responsibilities can exacerbate the already demanding nature of full-time ministry. However, there is limited exploration of how the church’s context influences the nature of the pastoral calling and the preparation required to sustain long-term effective ministry in such an environment.

Therefore, this study seeks to address these gaps by providing a comprehensive analysis of the concept of the call into full-time pastoral ministry within The Apostolic Church Cameroon. By exploring the theological, spiritual, practical, and contextual dimensions of the pastoral call, this research aims to uncover the factors that shape the experience of ministry in this specific cultural and ecclesial context. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and needs of pastors within The Apostolic Church Cameroon and may inform more effective pastoral formation and support strategies, both within the church and across the broader Pentecostal movement in Cameroon and beyond.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to evaluates an examination of the Concept of the call into full-time pastoral ministry case study The Apostolic Church Cameroon. The specific objectives are:

1. To explore the understanding of the call to full-time pastoral ministry among members.
2. To analyze the factors that influence individuals to pursue full-time pastoral ministry.
3. To examine the challenges faced by individuals answering the call to full-time pastoral ministry.
4. To assess the impact of full-time pastoral ministry on the personal and professional lives of individuals.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the level of understanding of the call to full-time pastoral ministry among members?
2. What are the factors that influence individuals to pursue full-time pastoral ministry?
3. What are the challenges faced by individuals answering the call to full-time pastoral ministry?
4. What is the impact of full-time pastoral ministry on the personal and professional lives of individuals?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Full-time pastoral ministry has no impact on the personal and professional lives of individuals

H1: Full-time pastoral ministry has impact on the personal and professional lives of individuals

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study holds significant value both within the context of The Apostolic Church Cameroon and the broader field of Pentecostal studies. By examining the concept of the call into full-time pastoral ministry within the church, the research will contribute to a deeper theological understanding of pastoral leadership in a specific African Pentecostal setting. The findings will provide insights into how the call to ministry is perceived, understood, and practiced in Cameroon, contributing to global Pentecostal scholarship that often lacks sufficient focus on the African context. Given that The Apostolic Church Cameroon is part of a rapidly growing Pentecostal movement, understanding the nuances of the pastoral call in this setting is crucial for shaping future leadership models in the church and its broader networks.

Furthermore, this study will offer a unique perspective on the role of the Holy Spirit in the discernment process for full-time ministry. Pentecostalism places a strong emphasis on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of life, but the specific ways in which this empowerment manifests in the lives of potential pastors remains underexplored. By focusing on how individuals within The Apostolic Church Cameroon experience and interpret the Holy Spirit’s role in their call to ministry, the research will offer valuable theological insights that can deepen understanding of the spiritual formation and empowerment that occurs in Pentecostal churches. These findings could inform future theological education programs, equipping pastors to recognize and nurture the work of the Spirit in the lives of their congregants.

This research is also significant in its potential to improve the pastoral formation process in The Apostolic Church Cameroon. The study will highlight the gaps in the church’s approach to preparing individuals for full-time ministry, including areas like theological education, mentorship, emotional support, and financial sustainability. In doing so, it will provide a roadmap for creating more holistic and comprehensive pastoral training programs that meet the spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of emerging pastors. By addressing these gaps, the study can contribute to reducing burnout, dissatisfaction, and attrition among pastors, leading to more effective, sustainable ministry in the church.

Another important aspect of the study’s significance is its potential to enhance the church’s understanding of the pastoral calling within the broader socio-economic and political context of Cameroon. The complex interplay between the church’s internal dynamics and the external socio-political environment can significantly impact how the pastoral ministry is carried out. This research will shed light on how these external factors influence the discernment process, the challenges faced by pastors, and their effectiveness in ministry. By exploring these contextual realities, the study can help The Apostolic Church Cameroon and similar Pentecostal denominations better navigate the challenges of growing their ministries while staying grounded in their theological convictions and responding effectively to their members’ needs.

Moreover, the study’s findings can serve as a resource for other Pentecostal and Charismatic churches in Africa and beyond. Given that The Apostolic Church Cameroon is part of a global Pentecostal movement, the challenges and insights it faces in discerning and preparing individuals for pastoral ministry may resonate with other churches in similar contexts. The research will provide comparative insights for other African churches grappling with issues of pastoral calling, leadership formation, and the integration of theological education with practical ministry. This study could therefore have a far-reaching impact, informing pastoral training programs, church leadership models, and the broader understanding of the pastoral call within Pentecostalism.

Finally, the significance of this study extends to the practical implications for pastoral leadership within the church itself. By exploring the lived experiences of pastors within The Apostolic Church Cameroon, the research will bring attention to the day-to-day realities of pastoral ministry, including the personal struggles, joys, and challenges that come with responding to the call to full-time ministry. This can encourage a more supportive, empathetic environment for pastors and church leaders, ensuring that the church is better equipped to nurture and sustain effective leadership. Through this, the study not only contributes to academic knowledge but also fosters practical solutions that strengthen the church’s leadership capacity and spiritual health, ultimately benefiting both the pastors and the congregations they serve.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study evaluates an examination of the Concept of the call into full-time pastoral ministry case study The Apostolic Church Cameroon. The study is limited to The Apostolic Church Cameroon.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

  Examination: In the context of this study, “examination” refers to the systematic investigation and analysis of a particular subject, in this case, the concept of the call into full-time pastoral ministry. It involves critically exploring, assessing, and interpreting various dimensions of the topic, such as theological, practical, spiritual, and cultural aspects, to gain a deeper understanding of how the call is experienced, understood, and implemented within The Apostolic Church Cameroon.

  Concept: The term “concept” refers to an abstract idea or a general notion that represents a broader understanding of a particular phenomenon. In this study, the “concept” pertains to the theological, spiritual, and practical understanding of the call into full-time pastoral ministry. It involves the beliefs, perceptions, and theological frameworks that guide individuals and the church in recognizing and responding to the divine invitation to serve in a pastoral role.

  Call into Full-Time: The phrase “call into full-time” refers to a divine or spiritual calling in which an individual feels specifically chosen or compelled by God to dedicate their life to ministry as a career, often with the aim of serving God and the community. “Full-time” emphasizes that the individual has committed their time, energy, and resources to ministry as their primary occupation, rather than serving in a part-time or voluntary capacity. In this context, the call is understood as a vocation that demands a significant personal and spiritual commitment to serving the church and its members on a continuous basis.

  Pastoral Ministry: Pastoral ministry refers to the work and responsibilities of a pastor or spiritual leader in guiding and serving a Christian community. It encompasses various duties, such as preaching, teaching, counseling, leading worship, providing spiritual care, and offering guidance to individuals and families within the congregation. Pastoral ministry is both a spiritual and practical role that requires deep commitment, leadership skills, and theological understanding to nurture and shepherd believers, helping them grow in faith and live according to Christian principles.

  The Apostolic Church Cameroon: The Apostolic Church Cameroon is a prominent Pentecostal Christian denomination in Cameroon, affiliated with the broader Apostolic Church movement, which emphasizes the importance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, personal salvation, and evangelism. The church holds a strong belief in the empowerment of believers by the Holy Spirit and seeks to carry out the Great Commission through preaching, teaching, and the establishment of local congregations. The Apostolic Church Cameroon is known for its vibrant worship, strong doctrinal foundation, and emphasis on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in both individual lives and the church community.

Project – An examination of the Concept of the call into full-time pastoral ministry case study The Apostolic Church Cameroon