Addendum


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 Addendum

 

  There remains one aspect of OTH, which has been valuable and must be assessed in such consideration. It is this: OTH has opened its doors to any who value the training and wish to participate in the classroom presentations. Further, we have done this without charge. It would be difficult to know at this point how many lives have been touched and strengthened by our Lord Jesus Christ because of the things they have learned and the friendships they have forged during OTH experiences. How do we assess this for the future?

This no doubt has some dimensions, which we have heretofore not been discussed, but we are prepared to continue this “open door” policy as a means of strengthening the body. The fact that our men under care have had this regular contact with other learners not under care has no doubt provided much positive fellowship and opportunity for developing interpersonal relationships. We have only noted one caution: we want to make sure the training maintains its focus on those men under care, not diminishing the demand while among those who are only auditing. At this point there seems to be no faltering in maintaining focus on those called to pastor, and there may be other dimensions of this matter which could lead to expanded ministry to congregational leadership on a non-ordained level. The trend toward practical mentoring of the men under care outside the classroom and in the context of the actual ministry by active pastors will strengthen this focus. But at the present time and in the recognized future policy, OTH will keep its focus on the men called to the pastorate while continuing to welcome those wanting to take advantage of the open classes.