Why I Believe in Theological Education

Many of our churches are vulnerable to the latest theological fad or “wind of doctrine.” False teachings like open theism, salvific inclusivism, and even universalism can slip in unchecked if pastors are not instructing and exhorting their people in sound doctrine and refuting those who teach error (Titus 1:9). Theological education can assist a minister in knowing both what he believes and why he believes. It can help him understand the great

theological debates throughout the history of the church (think divine sovereignty and human responsibility!) and to more readily recognize theological danger and error when it appears. Grounding ministers in biblical and theological truth can help them do the same for their church and enable a church to stand strong for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

I encourage every minister who attends seminary to go as far in their theological education as they possibly can. Furthermore, I tend to throw down a gauntlet—but one that I believe is true—and say to them that anyone who has the ability, calling and opportunity to go all the way to the highest level and does not do so sins against God and prostitutes the gifts that the Lord has given him. It is a matter of Christian stewardship that we hone and refine the gifts God has given us for His honor and His glory. Indeed, God deserves excellence in everything we do (1 Cor. 10:31). This includes loving Him with our mind (Matt. 22:37).

We seek to address the full orbed expectations of the minister of the gospel. We begin by laying a strong foundation in biblical and theological studies. We continue to be committed to the original languages of Greek and Hebrew, and we believe that they are absolutely essential for the faithful preaching of the Word of God. We do not, however, want our ministers to become ivory-tower theologians who are “no good” to the common people. Therefore, we balance our curriculum with strong emphases in missions, evangelism, leadership, biblical counseling and expository preaching. We have developed “intern partnerships” with local churches who teach our students what they can learn only in the context of a local church. We want to expose our students to various models and approaches to ministry, critiquing everything in light of Scripture.

Far too many seminaries have compromised in the area of biblical and theological conviction, and as a result they have adopted a more therapeutic model when it comes to educating their ministers. A pastoral care model or a corporate CEO model too often dominates, rather than a pastor-teacher model (Eph. 4:11), which is true to Scripture. The good shepherd of a local church will feed and lead, preach and protect his flock (1 Pet. 5:1-4). To do this effectively he must be convicted of biblical truth and grounded in biblical truth. At our own seminary we place a premium on the classic disciplines of theological education, and we are convinced that this is absolutely necessary for the health and vitality of the church in the 21st century.

For someone who believes that God has called him to ministry, the single-most-important reason he should pursue theological education is because it will enable him to be a better minister. Billy Graham has often said that if he could add anything to his ministry, it would be a seminary education. He believes the ministry that God has given him would have been even more productive had he availed himself of seminary. That is a strong word from a very well-respected voice.

I believe all persons who are considering vocational ministry would do well to heed the counsel of this great servant of God. I don’t think they will be disappointed, and neither will the people they serve.