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To this post by Bishop Willimon on clergy education indebtedness, I can only say “amen.” When I stood before the NC Conference and was asked the historic question: “Are you in debt so as to embarrass you in your work (?),” I said “yes (!)” – loudly – half hoping that someone would stop me from proceeding or ask me to explain.
In terms of educational debt, I have been under appointment for 15 years now and haven’t made a dent in the bottom line (and next fall will find me with two children in college on their own hunt for education funding with me feeling more like a cheerleader than a resource … ironic? tragic? both?).
I agree with Bishop Willimon. United Methodists are going to have to rethink this one – and quick.
G. Kevin Baker 
>Debt and the strain of family/life balance pushed me out of the process. I don’t see the communion doing anything to resolve this issue.
>I thought the proper response to the “Are you in debt so as to embarrass you in your ministry” question was “It doesn’t embarrass me, but it should embarrass the church.”