Pastors with no formal training

[Ddavid from NC]

The pulpits are filled with individuals with no formal training in theology or counseling. Is this a bad thing or a good thing? Should all ministers receive training in the modern day world of possibilities of long distance learning? Or is all they need is a Bible and a prayer life?

[Richard_yaash]

The pulpits are filled with individuals with no formal training in theology or counseling. Is this a bad thing or a good thing? Should all ministers receive training in the modern day world of possibilities of long distance learning? Or is all they need is a Bible and a prayer life?

Hi David,

IMO: It could be argued both ways. Depending upon the background of each of us and that which we have seen/tasted of/experienced will reflect our own POV. The society that many/most of us live in, requires certain documentation and for good reason. OTOH: Some forms of training can also perhaps place a limit upon some. I remember many years ago, I spoke with a dear Pastor regarding an issue. He responded something to the effect of; "someones been challenging you". He admitted that what I had come to him about was correct. However, he was limited in that he was not allowed to speak of it from the pulpit. Now, don't get me wrong, I fully and completely understand the why and wherefore.

Now as to the 'counseling' aspect: Again, we could argue that both ways. On a secular level, I do think that to have had training is the best. On a 'spiritual' level, I have known some with no formal training who I would trust. Such as when my wife passed away, I called upon a friend and him and his wife came immediately. Now, I am not one of those who is big upon 'tongues', however as this woman prayed and her language changed to what I would call a form of 'tongues', all I knew is that while I did not know the words, I knew in my heart. This was confirmed as it was interpreted.

I have met with and gotten too know many Pastors in my life or varying denominations. Some had excellent training, some had next to nothing. Of them all, there are two that stood out from the crowd the most. One was a small frail man who I must admit, varied a little from the doctrine of that denomination. I respected him and his decisions in it. He was also the most kind, gentle, loving Pastor I have ever had the privilege to meet. As soon as our eyes met, we both knew one another, neither of us needed to know anything more about the other. He had the least amount of training of any Pastor I have ever met.

The next, was another dear Pastor, he had a little more formal training, but not much. He was very instrumental in my early years.

I have also met highly trained Pastors. Some of them have been good, some not so good.

However, to sum this up: IMO; It is not the Pastor, it is the duty of each of us to be guard, to be careful in choosing a Pastor/Minister/Priest/etc. It is our duty to learn and study for ourselves in so that we might not be lead astray by anyone. That we might know the truth when we hear it, and thus be interested to hear the insight/wisdom/perspectives of the man whom we choose to sit in attendance of his sermons/preaching/teaching.

Just rambling away,

Richard

[Guest]

I think the question of training is colored somewhat by the society today. Everyone, at least in the U.S. seems to think that a pile of letters after your name means you know what you are doing. This is not true when it comes to pastors, teachers, and so forth in the local church.

I have had the privilege of knowing many over the years who had almost no formal training all the way to doctoral level. As I look back, some of the most powerful sermons or teaching seems to have come from those with the least training at times. (Possibly because someone with little formal training would be more likely to trust the Lord more.) I've also seem very powerful sermons, etc. from those with training. I think much of it boils down to where each of us is in our walk with Christ at a given time, and the people He chooses to bring across our path. Like another said though, it is still my responsibility to study on my own to avoid being led astray.

All of it boils down to this: the call of God on a person's life, and their gifts He has given them. Formal training is good -- but not if its used to avoid actually going out there and doing what the Lord wants done.

[OneLight]

You left out the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit. To me, it does not matter what you have added to your name. If you don't allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, teach you, convict you and fill you, you should not be preaching. It is God's word and should be lead by His Spirit.

[AnExample]

Each of us should study to show ourselves approved enabling us to rightly divide the word of truth. Jesus trained his disciples for 3 years before they became apostles, before they were left to go out on their own. Prior to that, the training they received was from the synogues (sp.) and the examples set by Sadduces and Pharisees. Jesus talked and taught them from the heart of God. Now my question is, who can teach from the heart of God, but God himself, so we study the lessons taught by Jesus through His word. His name is...The Word of God! Do you have to go to a seminary to be able to do that? I don't think so because the Holy Spirit is the teacher. He resides in every born again believer.

[Ddavid from NC]

There was a time when the minister was the most intellectual person in the community. Much of the congregation couldn't read. Today half of the congregation has post high school education. We also live in a day when pseudo-Christian groups and diverse teaching abound and congregants look to their pastor to help them discern truth from falsehoods. We live in a day when pyscho-therapy competes with the message of spiritual discipline for the way we solve problems. People are looking for a message and a counsel they can trust. Yes, without the Holy Spirit a degree means nothing. But education is a tool and it is readily available. Isn't preparation proof of the sincerity and meekness (teachableness) of a servant of Christ.

[Vickilynn]

The pulpits are filled with individuals with no formal training in theology or counseling. Is this a bad thing or a good thing? Should all ministers receive training in the modern day world of possibilities of long distance learning? Or is all they need is a Bible and a prayer life?

Shalom David,

The calling has to be from the Holy Spirit. The power and wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes the person is led to formal training, other times not.

I do not believe one can say either are correct or wrong 100% of the time. Again, only G-d can. There are pastors and counselors with degrees out the ears and are worth nothing spiritually! (I know, we've experienced a few!) and there are pastors and counselors with life training and the wisdom from the Holy Spirit that can speak G-d's Word and be a vessel used mightily. (I know, we've experienced a few!)

Man likes to be in G-d's place and make these generalizations and it doesn't work. G-d deals with people individually.

What matters most is a submitted heart and will, not how many papers are on the wall.

Now education is not a bad thing and I think it's important if the L-rd leads that way, but He doesn't always.

[WayneB]

Regarding those called into Pastoral leadership roles, I'm not sure David is advocating seminary "degree" programs specifically but rather sound instruction from a credible teacher of theology.

Timothy was "formally" mentored by Paul for example. He just didn't grab Scripture and go at it on his own. He was mentored by Paul and then when he was ready, installed into a church. No mention is ever made of Timothy being called by the Holy Spirit to the best of my knowledge but regardless, I believe he was...but in God's time and first things first. Preparation...

David wrote, "preparation proof of the sincerity and meekness (teachableness) of a servant of Christ." I agree wholeheartedly.

There are many who claim to be called but have neither the knowledge or skills needed to be effective pastors. Either they weren't truly called by God or they got ahead of God. Either way, proper preparation would have weeded out the counterfeits and prepared the ones truly called.

[Guest Biblicist]

No matter how much training a Pastor does or does not have....we should always be like the Bereans.

Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

[Ddavid from NC]

Don't you agree when a pastor stops learning from sources outside their own thinking it shows in the growth & maturity of the church?