I believe we have come to an unfortunate place as the church today. We have neglected the biblical model for the church in many areas, and seemingly with no harm, yet it makes one wonder what could be..., if we alter our model. I know that I had previously posted on Elders in the church, but I posted with no mention of educational requirements. I did that for a reason.
College used to be a way for one to specialize his/her education. Typically this was for white collar professionals. Doctors, attorneys, scientists, and the like. When one left high school and went on to college they immediately began studying for their career field. This education was obviously necessary for those professions. In those days however, one did not need 2yrs of general education classes, general education was received in high school. After all, public education was paid for with property tax dollars.
Over the years more employers began desiring additional education. Colleges and universities were becoming profitable. Requirements to earn degrees for certain occupations began to increase. Schools began to require general education classes before a student even began to take classes in their chosen field. This resulted in longer schooling, older graduates, and more money. My impression is that many of the general education classes are classes that, in the past, one received in high school. Now they are being taught at the college level for upwards of $15,000 per year. This means that the average student is $30,000 in debt before beginning his education in his desired field.
Now we find ourselves where we are at today. College education is a necessity for almost every field outside of manual labor. Many of the job postings in the paper require a Bachelor of Science degree, yet the starting pay is only a few thousand dollars a year more than the cost of a year of education. How can this be?
I've said a lot to say this...
As a society we have begun to place undue emphasis on advanced education. People are earning their degrees, but many receive jobs outside of their specialized education. Many employers teach their employees after they are hired, yet the degrees are still mandatory regardless of what the degree was for.
This philosophy is affecting the church!
We expect a man at the age of 18 to choose his occupation. If he feels led to the ministry, we send him off to school and saddle him with a tremendous amount of debt. Then he begins searching for a church that wants to pay someone to minister to them. He has a degree, but no knowledge of the flock; he has a degree, but no love for the people; he has a degree, but no experience; he has a degree, but what are his gifts?
There is an alternative. Discipleship. After all, even in a secular job, one is taught by their employer. As the body of Christ we need to be raising up and discipling pastors and teachers within the flock. We don't need to send them out to be taught by others. We don't need to send them out so that we can bring others in. We need to be stewards of what (and whom) God has given us.
We no longer raise up Elders within the Baptist church because we are fooled by the world into thinking that Elders need degrees.
1 Cor. 2:5 "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
1 Cor 2:12-13 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual."
I've read about Pastors that have been in the ministry for two decades and are thinking that by going back to school and getting their masters degree, their ministry will be more effectual. I feel sorry for them. That is peer pressure!
1 John 2:20 "But ye have an unction (annointing) from the Holy One, and ye know all things."
1 John 2:27 "But the annointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same annointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him."
Don't discount the Holy Ghost. Don't discount discipleship.
Ephesians 4:8,11-17.
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4 comments:
Even within my chosen profession there is peer pressure to go back to school, pay thousands of dollars and get more letters behind your name. For me it doesn't translate into a better therapist or bigger paycheck. It simply is a means for schools of "higher education" to get money. I believe that is also true for Christian schools and seminaries.
If someone desires further education there is warrant for that desire if it enables the individual to expand their ability to minister or to minister in a more effective manner. Also can these schools/seminaries be a means for discipleship training? Sure they can but not necessary. I hear your emphasis on making the local church the point of accountability and discipleship. I whole-heartedly agree but change won't occur until families take this responsibility seriously and until father's lead their families in this. It will take a whole new generation to revive the church to put discipleship ministry at the forefront.
We agree!
All you have to do is read John7:45-48 to see what education can do to your ability to discern the things of God. Sometimes "education" is a hindrance...was it J Vernon Mcgee (sp?) that was asked if he had a formal education? His answer was "yes, but I got over it!"
John 7:45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. 47Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? 48Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
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