Why This is Crucial
According to the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Research Center, only 5% of pastors world-wide have a Bible college or seminary degree —The needs of the leaders of the churches serving such a needy, vulnerable community as Reading deserve a high priority.
Understanding Financial Disparities
The economic barriers to pastoral training are significant:
Average net worth disparities: White households have, on average, ten times the net worth of non-white households in the U.S.
Prohibitive education costs: Despite outreach efforts, the cost of higher education remains a substantial barrier for many pastors.
The Unique challenges of Reading
Reading faces unique challenges, such as economic hardships and governmental struggles, which exacerbate the difficulties in pastoral education and ministry. For instance, Reading has been identified as the nation's poorest city, faced with limited resources for essential services, complicating the environment in which pastoral leaders serve.
Massive DEMOGRAPHIC shifts
Demographic shifts have seen a decline in white populations in urban areas like Reading, with a notable rise in Latino communities. Despite the closure or relocation of many white churches, there's a burgeoning of Latino churches, led by passionate leaders who greatly benefit from tailored, contextual support and training.