If God were calling you to ministry...

First of all folks we should probably clarify the distinction between college and seminary. When people refer to "going to college" they generally mean earning a B.A. or a B.S. from an undergraduate institution. Both of these degrees are broad liberal arts degrees (or "comprehensive" degrees in the new jargon created to accomodate people's ignorance) designed to provide a broad education in cultural literacy, critical thinking skills, and multi-modal communications skills. A bachelor's degree has traditionally been required for the three traditional professions - medicine, law, and theology - since it is assumed that people in these roles need to be familiar with history, mathematics, the sciences, philosophy, etc. In addition, undergraduate work builds the discipline and foundational learning skills necessary for advanced academic work.

A seminary is a graduate-level professional school established for the training of clergy. The standard Christian seminary degree is an M.Div. which generally includes 90 semester hours (three full-time years) of coursework in biblical languages, biblical criticism, church history, worship & liturgy, pastoral care, preaching, and related fields. Most seminaries also offer research degrees for those planning to do further graduate work in religion but who are not interested in pastoral ministry. The M.A., Th.M. and M.T.S. are the most common of these.

It is my belief that clergy are people who have the following characteristics:

- identified as called by God
- invested with the traditions of the Church (including Church History and Christian theology)
- invested with the history of biblical interpretation and equipped with the skills of an interpreter
- trained in pastoral care, preaching, and discipleship
- sufficiently educated to relate their training and knowledge to a variety of fields and situations

In baptist polity, a person can certainly preach, teach, and evangelize without some of the above. Nevertheless, I believe that someone called to professional ministry should seek to meet those standards, and that churches should set those standards for their clergy. Although there are certainly other ways for a very disciplined and motivated person to meet those standards, it seems to me that a rigorous undergraduate degree and a sound M.Div. do an excellent job of it.

Joshua

[ September 10, 2002, 11:04 AM: Message edited by: Rev. Joshua ]

 

The part about asking someone unprepared to minister the word to God's people in a corporate setting. The part about waiting for the Holy Spirit to give revelation about what to speak about (Revelation ended about 2000 years ago); the part about treating teh corporate exposition of the word with such frivolity as to accept such a scenario as biblical and encouraging.

To preach adn teach the word is a tremendous responsibility. Even the apostles instituted deacons becasue the ministry of the word was so important that it needed time put into it. The preacher of the word must first be a student. The Holy Spirit does teach but it is through study and hard work that such comes about.

For the one who said he is against seminary or Bible college, I hope you never darken the platform. Teaching and preaching requires adequate preparation. If you are unwilling to go to seminary, you probably do not have what it takes to pastor and preach. I consider the 3 years I spent in seminary as the absolute minimum. I have been in the ministry both before and after seminary and I can say with no fear of contradiction that I was wholly unprepared to ministery, not because my heart wasn't right and not because the Holy Spirit was not working on my life but because I did not know the things I needed to know. It is no wonder that Christianity is in the situation it is in.

 

Larry - here you and I are in complete agreement.

 

Some of God's best preachers never stepped foot in a college!

True, but I'll bet MOST of God's best preachers DID set foot in college. Franklin Graham, Jerry Falwell, Charles Stanley, and Jack Hayford, just to name a few.

 

After graduating from Bible College in 1992 and entering full-time ministry in 1999. I realized how that I personally needed more training. I resigned my ministry position and moved to the Minneapolis area to attend Central Baptist Theological Seminary here in Plymouth. I am surprised that it was not listed in the poll choices.

After three weeks of classes I can truly say, it is hard work, but will be well worth it on the other side of graduation!

 

You are absolutely correct. I went through the same thing, although not as much time in between. And you're very right about it being very well worth it upon graduation!

 

I believe to seek such higher education is certainly good, but not necessary. I am currently enrolled at WKU; with a Soc. Studies, Hist. major, seeking Secondary Education Certification. I believe teaching is a calling I have received, not equal in importance to my call to preach, but a calling nonetheless. I also feel that I am currently qualified to teach, based upon my desire to do so, a love and respect of education, and a desire to acquire more & more knowledge. I do not believe it is necessary for anyone to attend Seminary to be qualified to Preach the Gospel, however, if that individual feels led toward that and they are certain it is a leadership of the Holy Spirit, I could see nothing wrong with it. In all things we must guard ourselves against the onslaught of the Adversary, and those onslaughts are not limited to Seminary. Though sometimes it seems as if the door is left purposefully open to his entrance. For the most part, unless a church particularly knows the testimony of a preacher to be strong, this part of the country, (Glasgow, KY) among what is considered old-time churches, higher ed. among preachers through Theological schools are mistrusted, while the bigger churches will not give you an opportunity to preach within there walls because of a lack thereof. To choose the lesser of two evils, I choose not to risk being influenced, but this is perhaps due as much to my attitude toward Education (not implying it to be greater than any of you), but in my 32 years I have learned most of what I know through self-education. This method has taught me greater independence in my thinking, it has enabled me to be among the first HVAC/R Licensed Journeymen in this area, apart from being grandfathered in, or attending vocational school for a formal ed. I simply acquired hands on experience, and acquired a textbook, as well as questioned my peers, studied sources, etc. In short, the same Grace of God which has called me unto salvation, called me to preach, provided the desire within me to improve my abilities from an apprentice tech. to a journeyman, this in full reliance upon God I think should be more than enough to enable a man called into the ministry to be prepared unto that work. Though Ed. when available, and unabused is not to be taken lightly. Nonetheless, this clamor for education has left many churches unable to call a pastor, because they are unable to find one with "enough" education. If you are not educated, then you are not taken as seriously, if you are then you are considered "liberal." And the truth is many just do not want real God called leadership, because it is that leadership which continually searches the hearts of the people, and that through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps this is a post for another place, but has other areas of the country experienced so many churches without pastors, yet not willing to call any, but only to continue to have different ones to "fill appointments." Should this be a concern?

God Bless each of you in your walk and service to Him.

Bro. Dallas Eaton
Glasgow, KY

 

How you thought about a correspondance school?

 

As a senior Bible college student this year, seminary is VERY much in my thoughts. The thoughts of seminary do not revolve of "To go or not to go, that is the question," but instead involve more "So many choices, so little time."

I know that I do not have the same perspective as some of the pastors posting on here who have been in the "trenches" for years, and yes, I purposely choose this word. But just from my going through Bible college I could not even begin to imagine what would happen to me, if I was thrown to the wolves and into the forefront of the battlefield after only my undergraduate work. College is as Dr. Bob said a "good preparation," but it is just that a PREPARATION for further study. In my pastoral theology class this year, the topic of seminary has been discussed and several observatoins have been developed and below are some of the practical observations about a seminary education.

First, a pastor's people will only go as far as he does. (The pastor cannot push his people into avenues of theology and biblical thought that he has not waded through himself.)

Second, a seminary education provides a good exposure to the real world of local church ministry that college or no college at all could do. To paraphrase, seminary + a local church ministry = a good start.

Third, seminary is a great way for the pastor to reach the "educated" that a man who has not endured the rigors of seminary caould not. (Not that we should lower our standards to reach lost people but we should be able to at least establish some raport with any and al people including the people who broadcast themselves as "unreachable".)

In conclusion, seminary IS worthwile!!!! Some use the excuse of "I want to get out into the ministry as soon as I can, so I can be used in a more timely fashion." It is my belief that it is more important that a man does QUALITY ministry rather than a man have longevity in the minstry. QUALITY IS MORE VITAL THAN QUANTITY!!!!!

 

b/t/w

I'm leaning towards the "nonmentioned" Central Baptist Seminary in Plymouth, MN after college. And why was Central not mentioned?

 

Teddy,

Central's website is at www.centralseminary.edu

I think that seminary provides additional training which will build upon a good foundation if you had one in Bible college!

I enjoyed my time in ministry before seminary. It has really grounded me and given me some great perspectives.

For me personally, I would try to go into ministry for a little while, then go to seminary, but that is the way I did it. Everyone's situation is different and God's will is different for everyone's life...

I would encourage you to check out Central.
Send me an email if you have any questions..

 

Tlange,

I am very familiar with Central and the AWESOME teachers there. In fact I'm signed up for the Foundations Conference in October. It should be an awesome conference, and I really look forward to the conferences each year. Will you be there? I know several people at Fourth also, being so close to them and all. Maybe I'll be see you up there.

Teddy

 

Hi my name is Garret Parsons and I am a first time poster on this forum.

I am currently attending Carey Hall Theological College/Regent.
With the intention to become a preacher.

This is not an easy question to answer in the context of this forum and is personal.
In other words we all have different reasons for needing schooling. I can give some answer but keep in mind that I am a student and have lots to learn. So all the answers I couldn’t have.

The easy answer for this question is employment. Just like any vocation you have to have some credentials or you can’t get a job. But I would hope that anyone that felt called into ministry would not be attending college to get a job, but rather to understand the complexities of your calling and to learn some tools to aid in doing a good job.

A congregation of a church will trust that you know what you are doing and won’t lead them astray. There is a lot more to pastoral care than just picking up the Bible.

Right now I am learning Textual Criticism and Exegesis. Two very important tools.
Basically Biblical Interpretation.

Now when it comes to the Holy Spirit, I believe you must pray that you will receive the Holy Spirit. It is not a given you will receive the Holy Spirit. Plus God doesn’t hand things to you on a silver patter; you have to work at it. Your life experience training and God’s help all come into play to make you a preacher.

Hope this helps

Peace be with you.

-Garret

 

Isn't that what the Primative Baptists believe?</font>[/QUOTE]Don't know for sure what the Primitive Baptists believe. This is just my opinion. What does the bible say on this matter? Just curious.

Susan</font>[/QUOTE]Susan, the sad fact is that more Christians don't share your same view. I can say with experience that the Baptist Pulpit is nearly shut off from those without a seminary degree.Although, " All things are possible", and I am now Pastoring a church with a limited education. Check this verse out Acts 4- 13 The true quality of a good Pastor is a strong relationship with Jesus.Regardless of education. P.S.Let the Lord lead you bro.

 

I would give very strong consideration to Faith Baptist Bible College and Seminary (Independent and Regular Baptist)in Ankeny, Iowa. Obviously, I am here in Iowa, but they have produced some really quality pastors. Southwest Baptist University (Southern Baptist) has a good evangelism school. I'd also add that many of the preachers I most appreciate listening to.. went Southern in Louisville or Dallas Theological in (obviously) Dallas. Of the "big-time" preachers, my favorite is Andy Stanley, who went to Dallas.

[ October 01, 2002, 08:14 PM: Message edited by: mark ]

 

I would just like to say when you feel the call of God to become a pastor you better. you wont be able to deni it at least I wasn,t . I live in a very small town of about 2000 our church has had pastors from the south come and go like lighting I was starting a home study program when I felt the call. but two weeks or so later our pastor from the south informed us he was leaveing. I knew that this meant I would have to step up. I will admit that schooling would have helped but I dont have it.I am doing fine the church is growing in a town with very rooted catholic religon All though I will have to leave my job I preach 4 sermons a week and it takes a lot of time.I honestly feel the lord called me to bring this town back to the funamentals and grow from there. I pray more then ever for guidence and for the Lord to keep us on the right track and would like all of our brothers and sisters out there to pray for us to. I truely feel the blessing the lord has given me from people showing up at church. it seems lately ever service we see new faces.Pray for us in this town we need your help thanks. Id like to add that when I preach I study it hard and long first and preach the truth not a compromise to fill the seats. we need to get to peoples hearts again and let them see the true glory of GOD !

[ October 01, 2002, 11:31 PM: Message edited by: Mickes ]

 

It depends on what you are going to school for in my opinion. There are many things a person can do when the are called to the ministry. However, if it had anything to do with Missions or Pastoral I would definitely attend Fairhaven Baptist College in chesterton, Indiana. (obviously me being a women I cannot preach)
1. It is a good IFB school and church
2. Has staff members with real degrees (state university)
3. Pride themselves on high academics
4. They are conservative and most like my point of view
5. A loving church body that helps its students.
I attended there three semesters and I can say I truly love this place. It has some real good staff and members. I definite home away from home atmosphere.

 

At 75,and retired, I am still taking some 101 courses to refresh my understanding. Can one ever get enough in the most important vocation one will ever undertake?

We all think the bible is enough, and indeed it is sufficient. However, to dig an hole, we need a spoon or a shovel, and I prefer a shovel with a engine behind it. So it is with the bible. The Bible College or Seminary will provide those tools to help along the way. how much we use those tools will determine our effectiveness for the Lord. I have never seen a punctured tyre mend itself.

Lord knows, in the field, one needs all the help he/she can get.

Cheers in Him,

Jim

[ October 10, 2002, 03:41 PM: Message edited by: Jim1999 ]

 

Oh! I agree, but to preach salvation is not so difficult! Just open your bible and speak the words of God to the people. I have and seen quite a few come up and get saved. Not me but the Holy spirit working.