So Why Go to School?

by Kevin T. Bauder

In a recent In the Nick of Time essay, I suggested that learning is not the only qualification for ministry. I argued that it is not even the most important qualification. The brightest student may fail in ministry if he lacks the skills that will enable him to bring his learning to bear upon the lives of people.

From these observations, some might infer that I think learning is unimportant for ministry. That, however, would be a false inference. To say that a thing is not the most important is not to say that it is unimportant. In fact, I believe that learning is an indispensable qualification for ministry.

Evidently the apostle Paul agreed. When he enumerated the qualifications of a bishop, he specified that the man must be skilled in teaching (1 Tim. 3:2). Skillful teaching does require more than learning, but it certainly does not require less. One must learn a thing before he can teach it.

What is a bishop responsible to teach? If he wishes to follow the example of Paul, he will need to teach “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). In other words, he is responsible to teach the full content of Holy Scripture and to draw out the connections between the biblical teachings. At minimum, therefore, he must know the Bible, and he must know theology. Furthermore, he must know these areas at an advanced level, for a novice is not permitted to become a bishop (1 Tim. 3:6).

In short, to acknowledge the importance of other qualifications is not to discount the importance of learning. For a Christian leader, these qualifications are not a matter of either/or. They are both/and. The bishop must be learned, and he must possess the other necessary qualifications.

Of course, we can all point to men who have experienced successful ministries in spite of their lack of formal training. Far from disparaging their success, we ought to celebrate it! These men are a testimony to the grace of God. But God’s grace is not a thing upon which we ought to presume. He does not promise to give grace when we neglect or even reject the tools that He places within our grasp.

Unschooled men who achieve the best success often come to prize learning. People like Charles Spurgeon and R.T. Ketcham had little formal training, but they poured themselves into establishing colleges and seminaries for younger men. They themselves were greatly used by God, but they understood the importance of learning.

The age in which we live is the most complicated that the world has ever seen. No previous generation has had to deal with the specific issues that ours has to face. The principles for answering today’s questions are the same as ever, but applying the principles rightly requires a fair measure of intellectual skill and moral insight. A Christian leader is more likely to understand the issues and to be able to apply the principles as he increases in learning.

Some men flatter themselves into thinking that they can teach themselves. After all, God greatly used A.W. Tozer, a man who never had more than an eighth-grade education. But Tozer gave himself to study, just as he gave himself to God. He read broadly and deeply, displaying a voraciousness that puts most academics to shame.

Tozer, however, was the exception. Most men who lack learning do not read, and they certainly do not read the sorts of things that Tozer did. If they are not taught, they never teach themselves.

Such men are among those who boast, “I don’t need seminary—I have ministry.” The fact is that they often have neither, but they seem not to realize it. Indeed, they may pride themselves upon their effectiveness.

But is effectiveness by itself a good thing? Ignorant persons who possess strong skills in organization, communication, and personal relationships may become significant leaders. To the very degree that they are effective, however, their ministries can seriously damage the Lord’s work. Such self-made men often become effective at leading people in the wrong direction. They experience wonderful success at directing more and more people into less and less Christianity.

Granted, the most important qualification for a Christian leader is that he must be a man of God. He must yearn to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ. He must hunger and thirst to see God receive glory.

A Christian leader must also possess the skill to communicate truth. He must know how to build relationships, to persuade men and women of the truth, and to motivate them in their spiritual walk. He must be able to organize himself and others.

Spiritual warmth and good personal skills are not sufficient qualifications for ministry, however. A man who possesses these qualifications but who is unlearned is no more ready for ministry than a brilliant but spiritually cold theological pontificator. Both learning and piety, both knowledge and practical skill are necessary.

Of course, at the end of the day we have no guarantees. Even an educated person can learn the wrong things. Worse yet, he can become proud of his learning. That is why learning must always be coupled with piety and with experience. Still, learning is one part of the equipment that a pastor or missionary must have when he approaches the work God gives him to do. Heart and mind and hands must work together to the glory of God.

Behold the Great Creator Makes

Thomas Pestel (ca. 1586-1660)Behold the great Creator makes
himself a house of clay,
a robe of virgin flesh he takes
which he will wear for ay.

Hark, hark, the wise eternal Word,
like a weak infant cries!
In form of servant is the Lord,
and God in cradle lies.

This wonder struck the world amazed,
it shook the starry frame;
squadrons of spirits stood and gazed,
then down in troops they came.

Glad shepherds ran to view this sight;
a choir of angels sings,
and eastern sages with delight
adore this King of kings.

Join then all hearts that are not stone,
and all our voices prove,
to celebrate this holy One,
the God of peace and love.

This essay is by Dr. Kevin T. Bauder, president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary (Plymouth, MN). Not every professor, student, or alumnus of Central Seminary necessarily agrees with every opinion that it expresses.