Theological education and training of ministers are important issues in the church today, primarily because the education and training that a minister receives have a tremendous effect on the belief and practice of their respective local congregations. Since the ministry of a pastor is primarily focused on teaching, wise understanding as to the application of God’s truth and the ability to communicate such truth, underscore the educational and intellectual side of ministerial training. While it is true that God loves to use weak vessels powerfully to show that the power is of Him, nevertheless, I strongly believe that God will never discourage a formal, intellectual and educational preparation so long as it is dedicated in submissive fervor to Him. And to this, I would like to bring into mind six considerable thoughts in response to the question “Why is it important to be formally trained in a Bible school?”
1. Spiritual receptivity should be balanced with intellectual integrity.
I have noticed over the years that various neo-charismatics and pentecostal groups are against anything considered “intellectual”. Apparently, one of the main reasons for such stance is due to the strong emphasis on the “spirituals”, leading others to consider the in-depth study of the Scriptures and its doctrine as less significant. As Pentecostals, we often speak of our love for the truth and yet we oftentimes consider the study of Scripture to be unimportant. It is no wonder why “common sense” suddenly becomes an endangered species because of the so much interest afforded to unfounded spiritual enlightenment.
2. The Bible upholds knowledge, understanding and wisdom as virtues to be sought after.
We are instructed to get wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 4:7 says, “The beginning of wisdom is: acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding.” Proverbs 16:16 says, “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold; and to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.” Speaking of Israel, God said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). If knowledge is important to God, it should then be important to us also. If the church does not have a good knowledge of God’s Word, they will be subject to being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine from false teachers (Ephesians 4:14).
3. Bible school education should be looked upon as an opportunity to sharpen God given gifts and abilities but not as a means to an end.
I found it imperative that an aspiring pastor should acquire specific formal Bible school training in the area of systematic and biblical theology. It is because systematic theology provides a framework for an extensive understanding of Bible doctrines, while biblical theology provide an awareness that one deals with the very mind of God in the Holy Scriptures. Also, a formal Bible school training in the area of Bible interpretation is indeed very helpful. As one understands the proper principles of Scripture interpretation, he will not only learn to avoid “off the wall” interpretations, but it will also help him avoid enslavement to some questionable system of Bible interpretation.
4. The apostles of the Lord were theologically trained.
Some will claim that knowledge is unimportant because Peter and John were said to be “unlearned and ignorant men” by the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:13). This statement should be understood in the light of its historical context. The Sanhedrin realized that Peter and John had no formal rabbinic training, and thus, from their perspective, were not qualified to expound on the meaning of the Scripture. Some might gather from this that one does not need training in the Word of God, but this ignores the fact that the apostles had their theological training from Christ Himself in the flesh. Christ expounded to them the meaning of the Scriptures (Luke 24:47).
5. Formal modes of training had been in existence beforehand.
Those of the Judeo-Christian heritage have long used formal modes of training. Ezra established the synagogue for the purpose of teaching the Law. Because of this firm teaching, many Jews retained their identity in Babylon and continued to believe God’s promises to restore His people. Jewish rabbis, especially the Pharisees, embraced this form of teaching. The more teaching of the Law, the more life; the more school, the more wisdom; the more counsel, the more reasonable action. Paul was taught in this manner by the rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Origen of Alexandria established a school in Egypt for elementary instruction in the faith.” (Gailyn Van Rheenen, “Missions: Biblical Foundations and Contemporary Strategies, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996).
6. Bible school education will earn pastors the respect of the people within their oversight.
In a church membership, it is possible that there will be some young people who will be going to colleges, or there wil be those who already have finished their respective courses in college. Strange enough, they will soon find their pastor's preaching tedious and boring if after what they hear leads them to believe that he is intellectually incapable (quoted from John C. Thiessen, in his book “Pastoring The Asian Church”). As my professor always say, "a growing pastor has a growing members".
Without any reservation, I am fully convinced that Bible school education will provide a storehouse of practical and functional knowledge foundational to ministry excellence. It will also enhance one’s understanding of how biblical truths should be properly applied under a context of sensible relevance. I am therefore encouraging every aspiring pastor to prepare themselves intellectually to the fullest extent of their available capacity and abilities. But with due respect, I am in no way suggesting that Bible school education is the “sine qua non” of ministry effectiveness and success. What I am saying is being able to maximize every opportunity being made available so as to avail the Bible school education that one possibly can!
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