Which is Biblical for Training for the Ministry?

[Iryssa]

Bible colleges produce "cookie-cutter' pastors who mostly follow the same routines. They teach them how to talk, how to study, what to preach about, and what routines are most effective. Give me a man with the God-given gifts of pastoring and teaching anyday.

I'd say that of necessity depends entirely on the college and cannot be reasonably used to describe all colleges. I certainly know colleges of which that is absolutely not true. I haven't been to them - I've merely had plenty of occasion to view their output.

I think the best training that I've seen is a combination of being firmly routed and strongly involved in a local church while also being strongly Biblically grounded through a college.

I definitely agree there. Also, why on earth would a Bible College degree preclude these God-given gifts? Genreally I think people who already have these God-Given gifts tend to go to Bible College to increase their knowledge and understanding of scriptures and more (and when did THAT become a bad thing?)

[Axxman]

I definitely agree there. Also, why on earth would a Bible College degree preclude these God-given gifts? Genreally I think people who already have these God-Given gifts tend to go to Bible College to increase their knowledge and understanding of scriptures and more (and when did THAT become a bad thing?)

I wouldn't go so far as to say that bible college is a "bad thing." However...if you need bible college then I would assume that you don't have the God-given gifts of pastoring and teaching. As Christians we ALL have one or more Gifts imparted to us from the Holy Spirit. How insulting would it be to any of you for your pastor to say something like, "Look I realize you have the gift of (insert your gift here) but you haven't gone to college so we don't want you to be involved in that aspect."

The idea that men of God, touched by the Holy Spirit, somehow need mans instruction before they can be effective leaders and teachers of Gods word is crazy to me. I'd go one step further and say if your church requires a college degree from your pastor, then your church is probably not setting their priorities right.

[AnotherTraveler]

Bible colleges produce "cookie-cutter' pastors who mostly follow the same routines. They teach them how to talk, how to study, what to preach about, and what routines are most effective. Give me a man with the God-given gifts of pastoring and teaching anyday.

I'd say that of necessity depends entirely on the college and cannot be reasonably used to describe all colleges. I certainly know colleges of which that is absolutely not true. I haven't been to them - I've merely had plenty of occasion to view their output.

I think the best training that I've seen is a combination of being firmly routed and strongly involved in a local church while also being strongly Biblically grounded through a college.

I definitely agree there. Also, why on earth would a Bible College degree preclude these God-given gifts? Genreally I think people who already have these God-Given gifts tend to go to Bible College to increase their knowledge and understanding of scriptures and more (and when did THAT become a bad thing?)

The things taught at many bible colleges have no value to a true minister, but rather are useful for a corporate climber, office manager, political beast, and control junkie. Todays "pastor" little resembles what the bible teaches, and while knowledge and understanding of scriptures is not bad, neither is it what is produced by many bible colleges.

[kittylover0991]

The reason that we study is to be able to teach others also

[yesult]

The bible doesn't say you have to go to bible college to be in ministry. Sometimes it's better not to go and just trust that God will lead you in and through a ministry the way he wants to - instead of the way other people think you should do it. I think bible college can be a mistake for some people - as in a lack of trust thing. And in some colleges you can get brainwashed into a particular denominational viewpoint or get stuffed with so much odd theology or lack of faith that it can kill your faith (if you don't leave when you should.) But in other ways it can be really, really important and really enrich and equip you. It depends on what God wants for your individual walk.

I feel led to go at the moment. But this is the first time. Otherwise I would have avoided it. It says that the sons of God are led by the spirit of God. If God says 'go' - then go. If he says 'trust me' then we trust him. (And if we make a mistake - he'll show us.)

[Iryssa]

I definitely agree there. Also, why on earth would a Bible College degree preclude these God-given gifts? Genreally I think people who already have these God-Given gifts tend to go to Bible College to increase their knowledge and understanding of scriptures and more (and when did THAT become a bad thing?)

I wouldn't go so far as to say that bible college is a "bad thing." However...if you need bible college then I would assume that you don't have the God-given gifts of pastoring and teaching. As Christians we ALL have one or more Gifts imparted to us from the Holy Spirit. How insulting would it be to any of you for your pastor to say something like, "Look I realize you have the gift of (insert your gift here) but you haven't gone to college so we don't want you to be involved in that aspect."

The idea that men of God, touched by the Holy Spirit, somehow need mans instruction before they can be effective leaders and teachers of Gods word is crazy to me. I'd go one step further and say if your church requires a college degree from your pastor, then your church is probably not setting their priorities right.

It's not just some worldly man's instruction you receive at a good Bible college. There is a great deal of Godly wisdom to be gained there from professors and mentors who have a great deal more experience who have spent a lot more time studying the scriptures than you. Instruction is a good thing, particularly instruction in the Word. Proverbs says "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out." (Proverbs 18:15) A good Bible College should be an excellent place to aquire knowledge! And not worldly knowledge, but the kind of knowledge every Christian should desire! The Professors there, after all, are godly men who have sought such knowledge themselves and desire to share it with the brethren. Do you think aquiring godly wisdom and knowledge can only happen when you're sitting by yourself studying the Word? I should think not! Why botehr ever listening to sermons, if that were the case? Yes, the person at the pulpit is (I hope) someone called by God to give you such teaching, but why would a Bible College professor be excluded from a similar calling to teach, and similar inspiration? There are a lot of people who feel called to ministry but who are spiritual babies who have not so much as read the minor prophets! Would you entrust the leading of your church to someone who has only read the Gospels? Don't get me wrong, I love the Gospels, but that would be a good way to create a church with a very narrow view of the wide wisdom available in the scriptures. It is remarkable to me how many of those were at Bible College, but they came away from there with a lot more understanding of the scripture when all was said and done. Why would anyone discourage that??

Bible colleges produce "cookie-cutter' pastors who mostly follow the same routines. They teach them how to talk, how to study, what to preach about, and what routines are most effective. Give me a man with the God-given gifts of pastoring and teaching anyday.

I'd say that of necessity depends entirely on the college and cannot be reasonably used to describe all colleges. I certainly know colleges of which that is absolutely not true. I haven't been to them - I've merely had plenty of occasion to view their output.

I think the best training that I've seen is a combination of being firmly routed and strongly involved in a local church while also being strongly Biblically grounded through a college.

I definitely agree there. Also, why on earth would a Bible College degree preclude these God-given gifts? Genreally I think people who already have these God-Given gifts tend to go to Bible College to increase their knowledge and understanding of scriptures and more (and when did THAT become a bad thing?)

The things taught at many bible colleges have no value to a true minister, but rather are useful for a corporate climber, office manager, political beast, and control junkie. Todays "pastor" little resembles what the bible teaches, and while knowledge and understanding of scriptures is not bad, neither is it what is produced by many bible colleges.

Clearly you have never attended a good Bible College. Even though I was not being trained as a minister there, I received sound Biblical training and learned nothing about the corporate world (or political world...or anything about being a control junkie) at all. To place such a judgement upon all Bible Colleges is both ridiculous and erroneous. I am sorry if you have had a bad experience with a Bible College, but you are DEAD WRONG if you think that's how they all are.

[IslandRose]

I definitely agree there. Also, why on earth would a Bible College degree preclude these God-given gifts? Genreally I think people who already have these God-Given gifts tend to go to Bible College to increase their knowledge and understanding of scriptures and more (and when did THAT become a bad thing?)

I wouldn't go so far as to say that bible college is a "bad thing." However...if you need bible college then I would assume that you don't have the God-given gifts of pastoring and teaching. As Christians we ALL have one or more Gifts imparted to us from the Holy Spirit. How insulting would it be to any of you for your pastor to say something like, "Look I realize you have the gift of (insert your gift here) but you haven't gone to college so we don't want you to be involved in that aspect."

The idea that men of God, touched by the Holy Spirit, somehow need mans instruction before they can be effective leaders and teachers of Gods word is crazy to me. I'd go one step further and say if your church requires a college degree from your pastor, then your church is probably not setting their priorities right.

It's not just some worldly man's instruction you receive at a good Bible college. There is a great deal of Godly wisdom to be gained there from professors and mentors who have a great deal more experience who have spent a lot more time studying the scriptures than you. Instruction is a good thing, particularly instruction in the Word. Proverbs says "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out." (Proverbs 18:15) A good Bible College should be an excellent place to aquire knowledge! And not worldly knowledge, but the kind of knowledge every Christian should desire! The Professors there, after all, are godly men who have sought such knowledge themselves and desire to share it with the brethren. Do you think aquiring godly wisdom and knowledge can only happen when you're sitting by yourself studying the Word? I should think not! Why botehr ever listening to sermons, if that were the case? Yes, the person at the pulpit is (I hope) someone called by God to give you such teaching, but why would a Bible College professor be excluded from a similar calling to teach, and similar inspiration? There are a lot of people who feel called to ministry but who are spiritual babies who have not so much as read the minor prophets! Would you entrust the leading of your church to someone who has only read the Gospels? Don't get me wrong, I love the Gospels, but that would be a good way to create a church with a very narrow view of the wide wisdom available in the scriptures. It is remarkable to me how many of those were at Bible College, but they came away from there with a lot more understanding of the scripture when all was said and done. Why would anyone discourage that??

Bible colleges produce "cookie-cutter' pastors who mostly follow the same routines. They teach them how to talk, how to study, what to preach about, and what routines are most effective. Give me a man with the God-given gifts of pastoring and teaching anyday.

I'd say that of necessity depends entirely on the college and cannot be reasonably used to describe all colleges. I certainly know colleges of which that is absolutely not true. I haven't been to them - I've merely had plenty of occasion to view their output.

I think the best training that I've seen is a combination of being firmly routed and strongly involved in a local church while also being strongly Biblically grounded through a college.

I definitely agree there. Also, why on earth would a Bible College degree preclude these God-given gifts? Genreally I think people who already have these God-Given gifts tend to go to Bible College to increase their knowledge and understanding of scriptures and more (and when did THAT become a bad thing?)

The things taught at many bible colleges have no value to a true minister, but rather are useful for a corporate climber, office manager, political beast, and control junkie. Todays "pastor" little resembles what the bible teaches, and while knowledge and understanding of scriptures is not bad, neither is it what is produced by many bible colleges.

Clearly you have never attended a good Bible College. Even though I was not being trained as a minister there, I received sound Biblical training and learned nothing about the corporate world (or political world...or anything about being a control junkie) at all. To place such a judgement upon all Bible Colleges is both ridiculous and erroneous. I am sorry if you have had a bad experience with a Bible College, but you are DEAD WRONG if you think that's how they all are.

Amen! I personally know many professors at good bible colleges and I know them to be godly people with the desire to share God's word with young people. My own son is a theology student who wishes to one day teach on a Bible school and challenge young people to get into the Word and and have a deeper understanding of the ways of God. Not to be satisfied with milk, but to desire meat.

[Jonny_NZ]

I definitely agree there. Also, why on earth would a Bible College degree preclude these God-given gifts? Genreally I think people who already have these God-Given gifts tend to go to Bible College to increase their knowledge and understanding of scriptures and more (and when did THAT become a bad thing?)

I wouldn't go so far as to say that bible college is a "bad thing." However...if you need bible college then I would assume that you don't have the God-given gifts of pastoring and teaching. As Christians we ALL have one or more Gifts imparted to us from the Holy Spirit. How insulting would it be to any of you for your pastor to say something like, "Look I realize you have the gift of (insert your gift here) but you haven't gone to college so we don't want you to be involved in that aspect."

The idea that men of God, touched by the Holy Spirit, somehow need mans instruction before they can be effective leaders and teachers of Gods word is crazy to me. I'd go one step further and say if your church requires a college degree from your pastor, then your church is probably not setting their priorities right.

The need for Bible College and the presence or absence of "God-given gifts of pastoring and teaching" are two completely separate things.

God may have given you a gift for teaching - through speaking, writing, or even multimedia - but if you don't take the time to know God's word then how useful can you be to a church family?

Perhaps you'll be great at saying what a particular Bible passage means to you - as a middle-class white American (or me, as a middle-class white New Zealander) - but having a gift for teaching others doesn't mean you'll be any wiser at what the words meant to the author, or to the residents of first-century Corinth, especially in regards to the issues they dealt with (e.g. the relation of the famines that occured to the teachings on eating meat offered to idols, how head coverings were actually used in Greco-Roman society, etc).

That's exactly the way we've often ended up with unnecessary and occasionally oppressive traditions. And if we're gifted at teaching, we can impart our own particular bent on things to even more people - a dangerous thing if we're sincerely incorrect in what we're teaching.

We're not talking about Bible College being some sort of Christian ministry finishing school - we're talking about a place where real in-depth Biblical learning is sought and taught.

[Guest]

Biblically

Was You Sent

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Isaiah 6:1-8

Or Did You Went

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:3-4

Old Time Preacher

Did The Brother Get It Right

And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!

Numbers 11:29

Or What

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

Joel 2:28-29

Maranatha!

Holy Book

The Truth

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

And The Spirit

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14:26

Will Teach A Fellow

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Even Raise The Walking Dead

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

John 6:63

And Feed The Hungry Hungry Humble Soul

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Jeremiah 15:16

[Iryssa]

We're not talking about Bible College being some sort of Christian ministry finishing school - we're talking about a place where real in-depth Biblical learning is sought and taught.

Well said indeed.