You must remember, the Apostles were trained by Christ for three years (that would look pretty good on a resume). Those that followed did not have the cultural, historical, and language barriers that we have. Their bridge to cross was much smaller than ours. As well, Paul, the primary evangelistic Apostle to the gentiles was highly educated, even having an understanding of non-Jewish culture and belief (look at Acts 17).

You and I, if we are going to lead people by God’s word, need to be proficient in history, culture, society, philosophy, languages, logic, and rhetoric. This is simply to cross the bridge and understand the Scriptures. I am not saying that much of what is taught is not self-evident, but teachers representing God need to move beyond the self-evident. Milk to meat, right?

Therefore, I continue to defend our need to have seminary trained teachers who are held to a similar accountability as physicians in their education.

Please forgive me as I step on many good people’s toes.

I take issue with one thing Micheal said. I am a non seminarian, in fact, I dont even have a college degree. I would love to be able to afford to go to school, but my finances just dont allow me to do it at this point in my life. I am an avid student of the Word of God, and sites like this and others, are very helpful in critical thinking, and using more than just feeling saved to verify the truth of scripture. I would dont usually disagree with Micheal, but I think comparing a ministers credentials, to a medical doctor may not be fair. We, see in the New Testament, where some of the disciples had a skilled trade, but none of them were formally educated in the scriptures the way, say people like the Pharasees were. We dont even have any record of our savior receiving any formal training in the scriptures.

I am not saying that formal education isnt important. I believe it is. It helps us in our efforts to rightly divide the word. At the same time, there are many people who have not received any formal education that are are better at rightly dividing than the seminary graduate. Sometimes the Holy Spirt guiding us into all truth doesnt come thru attending Bible college. And the scripture tell us that its IN HIM we live, we move and have our being. The key is being IN HIM. Its not in knowing Sysematic Theology, Hermeneutics, or Biblical Hebrew, or Greek. It is however IN HIM. Sometimes I think we forget that just like our salvation doesnt come from going to Sunday School when we were children; responding to our call to Ministry doesnt rest on our attendance at a seminary. It is wonderful how the Holy Spirit allows people like Micheal and and others to pass on their insight to those of us who either cannot go to seminary, or even have a desire to. If God can use a donkey to convey His word, he can certainly use us regardless of our educational background.

You said that your wife does not approve. That is a difficult one as you really need her support. She may not be as excited as you are, but hopefully she is willing to follow as the Lord leads. I know that my wife was not passionate about me going, but she trusted me in my decision.

Michael

I left them both.

Great comments.

Michael

I’m a seminary student in my 50s, and I see many people being called later in life. For these, taking a full course-load while working full-time with parenting responsibilities may not be possible. However, if God has opened the door, He will make a way for all the issues to be resolved. The time that it takes will fit into His purpose.

Gary

I’m a seminary student in my 50s, but I have no doubt that God has called me to school at this time. I am at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Charlotte, which uses an adult educational model. I see a strong trend of people being called into the ministry later in life. Most of those in this category can’t take a full load of courses. Think about taking Greek exegesis, Hebrew grammar, working a full-time job, and being a single parent–all at the same time. It’s very difficult if not unwise.

But if God has opened the doors for a person to do this, then He has the time frame, and all the other issues, under His sovereign control.

Gary

One further thing that I want to add is this. How would we feel if it was just highly suggested the doctors get formal training, although it was not required? Would you let a doctor examine you or do surgery on you who did not go to medical school? What if it was just as easy to become a doctor as it is a pastor. You did not need any formal training or approval. You could just become a doctor?

I don’t think anyone would be too pleased with this situation. But why is it that someone dealing with someone’s spiritual health we tolerate their lack of credentials? Is there job less important? Is spiritual surgery less important than physical?

I know, just as ebediel said, there are those in other countries that cannot go to seminary. Just as their are people in other countries that do their best practicing medicine without any training, so there are those who pastor without any training. But simply because this is a necessary problem does not mean that we become content with it and lower the standard everywhere. We send other countries medical teams that will help people and train others. So also, we send other countries trained pastors who will help people and train others. We hope to build seminaries in these countries and give them a place to go.

to go to seminary. I am a homeschooling mom with one in college and one

finishing seventh grade. We intend to homeschool him through high school,

and each year he is able to do his studies a bit more independently. I would

not be able to attend full time, but was hoping to possibly complete my studies

as he was completing his. My thought process on this is: as he moves toward

self-study and possibly dual enrollment , I could be that much further ahead.

I’m in my early 40’s and would like to be finished before I hit 50.

Jill

Juan