Who is Qualified for Ministry?
The plan was simple. We would get married, my wife would finish her degree, then we would move somewhere so that I could attend seminary. A few years later I would graduate, and then we would think about kids. But…we had to think again. Before my wife graduated God chose to bless us and my wife became pregnant. So, as you might have guessed, my plans to attend seminary were put on hold.
Now, four years later (from the time we made our plan), I’m happier where we are now. Though I have gone back and forth for years, I have finally realized that seminary is a good thing, but it is not essential for everyone in ministry. I know this sounds almost blasphemous to some out there, but hear me out.
First let me point out that all of the Disciples were not formally educated by an institution, they were discipled by Jesus. This teaches me that discipleship prepares a person for ministry more than classes do. But, this argument isn’t even central to my thinking on this issue. There is one thought that continually convicts my heart about this and impacts the way that all of us should see ourselves in ministry. It is 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (ESV):
Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
This passage teaches me that God, through the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit makes us competent to do the ministry that He has called us to. Think about it, if the Spirit of God dwells within the believer, and we are able to follow that spirit’s leading, why would any additional (formal) training be required?
I can’t tell you how many times I have walked into a tough situation (like a death, or other family tragedy) to offer support and encouragement. Most of the time as I walk in, I can see the relieved look on the faces of other people in the room, as if to say, “Ok, I can relax now, the professional minister is here.” But, these types of situations don’t require the ministry of a “professional minister”, they only require a believer that is willing to submit to the Holy Spirit’s leading and do what is necessary. After all, with my “lack of education” that’s exactly what I am, a willing and submissive servant.
Seminary is not bad, in fact, it is great for many people in ministry. But, believers have to begin to wake up to the fact that a lack of seminary training does not limit their ministry potential!
So, I think there is one important qualification for everyone in ministry, they must love Jesus enough to follow His leading, where ever it takes them. All other training is simply icing on the cake. My hope and prayer is that this line of thinking frees you to do the ministry that you previously thought you were unable to do. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish some pretty awesome things.
If you want to read another good post on this subject, click here to see the thoughts of my good friend Britt.
May 21st, 2007 at 12:28 pm
That is so true. As a small group leader (and member where someone else leads), I get discouraged at times when my mouth runs and I feel like everyone just thinks “great, there she goes again blabbing on and she has no idea what she’s talking about” even when I know I have been led by the Spirit to say something… It’s been more occasions than I can count where someone who heard me speak said to me “thanks for saying that” or “I really needed to hear what you said.” Then I know that what I lack in theological training, God more than makes up for it when His Spirit speaks through me.
Thanks for giving me some scriptural truth to hang onto when the enemy wants to take away what the Lord wants to so freely give.
May 23rd, 2007 at 12:22 am
Several times in the Gospels, Jesus tells His disciples, “Don’t worry what you will say. God will give you something to say in that moment. It is not you who speaks anyway, but the Holy Spirit who speaks in you.”
Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, only to pray. Which should we learn?
Peace.
May 28th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Well said Adam. I was backing a trailer up to a school yesterday preparing for our Sunday gathering and thought, “They didn’t cover this!” I have learned much more in “doing” ministry than in seminary. I am thankful for it, but you are right on. Let me add, knowing you and your ability to learn and grow everyday, you do not “need” it at all. You are going to do awesome!
June 13th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
[...] And, for the last 2 and a half years I have been in full-time vocational ministry. As I have said before, I don’t have formal training in ministry and have had to greatly rely on the Holy Spirit to [...]