I’ve only recently begun to read blogs. It started out with technology and video game blogs, but since starting my own I’ve begun to seek out other Christians doing something similar to what I do here. One of the most compelling bloggers I’ve found thus far is Alan Knox. This morning I stumbled across a blog he wrote back in September of 2008 about spiritual maturity and formal education (Maturity and Education). Given the title of my blog and my recent decision to go to seminary myself; I’ve decided to post my own thoughts on the subject.
The idea of education in the Church is one that has often perplexed me. The apostles were fishermen, tax collectors, and were even called “uneducated men” (Acts 4:13). They were men filled with the Holy Spirit, walking in faith and trust in God. On the other hand, they did spend three years under Jesus teaching prior to his crucifixion and also received teaching during Christ’s short stay on earth after His resurrection. As with most ideas in our faith, it comes down to the heart.
How you approach Christian education makes all the difference. If you go into seminary or bible school with the intent to gain a degree just so you can pursue a career in ministry and keep that mentality throughout your studies, you will gain quite a bit of knowledge. However, that knowledge may not result in exponential growth in spiritual maturity. If you enter into seminary with the intent to seek the heart of God, the self discipline, amount of study, and time needed to complete any degree in Christian higher education will undoubtedly result in greater maturity upon graduation.
I am learning that going to seminary requires a great deal of humility. the school I am planning to attend requires you to have three recommendation letters and a church endorsement. For me, that is humbling because it takes the control out of my hands, and puts it into the hands of those who know me and live with me. Going to seminary is also humbling because you must acknowledge your need to learn.
I will say that I do not believe higher education is a prerequisite to living out a call to ministry. Stephen lived out a bold ministry that lead to his martyrdom, and that martyrdom is the only time we see him in scripture. There is no scriptural basis for saying that he knew, or followed Jesus prior to Pentecost.
In closing, I believe that bible schools, and seminaries are an important part of Church growth because they offer a level of commitment to the study of God’s word and the Church that is needed. I also believe that there is much more to being a leader in the Church than having a diploma from an educational institution.
Devoted to the Bride 