should he go to school
2007-01-25 05:28:29 · 22 answers · asked by cynthia 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Did any of the original Apostles go to a theology school? Actually, yes, but for Saul of Tarsus, his advance education in theology showed him, beyond any doubt, that these Christians were a dangerous cult.
He knew beyond doubt, that this new Jewish sect, that followed the teachings of an itinerant preacher, who also had no education in theology, and was executed for cause by the state, had to be stopped. They were going house to house, teaching their brethren that their traditional rituals, observances (holidays), and beliefs are no longer valid.
Worse yet, they were low class in individuals made up of such people as an ex-fisherman (Peter) and ex-tax collector (Matthew).
It took a miracle for Saul to learn that he was wrong.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_of_Tarsus
A theology education doesn't mean much today, as it is mostly people whose intent is not to just preach God's Word, but to get paid well to do so.
One does not need an advanced education in theology, at a place where people get paid to teach the Bible. One only needs the desire, and a church that teaches ALL ITS MEMBERS the whole Bible, its history, and how to preach and teach.
Christ called on all preach and teach, than to teach others to preach and teach, but most of the churches of Christendom has not only failed, but makes excuses where they don't need to.
In the JWs, every person can rise up to the highest positions in the society. Granted, no one gets paid to do this, so they do it out of the desire to serve God and his Son. The current District Servant in Northern California was just a window washer when I was young. He now monitors over 100 congregaitons, all without going to a theology college.
2007-01-25 06:12:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
This is something that depends on the person. I was raised in the Church and growing up I remember one pastor, never went to school or seminary, another pastor we had, did. They were both remarkable men of God.
I dont think it takes schooling to know the Bible, But it does help as far as Personable skills, and counseling, a pastor does alot more then preach, He has many people come to him for counseling and with problems. So to further ones education while preaching would be good, but I dont believe it is required. Some churchs may require schooling, some not.
2007-01-25 05:39:30 · answer #2 · answered by ~Annette~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of school? Is it a school where he is going to learn more about Christianity? Or is a regular school, with regular classes?
My question to you, what does it matter, if in fact he is truly called by God to be a pastor. Maybe God has also called him to do other work, even Jesus's disciples had other jobs when they were not with Jesus, check it out. As long as he serves God in the manner God has chosen, why should it matter if he is looking for additional knowledge.
2007-01-25 05:38:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I think Seminary is important for Pastors. God may call you to preach, and he may call you to teach... and he probably has given you the gifts you need to do both. But, nothing comes without sacrifice, not even gifts from God. (Even a gifted musician must practice).
Seminary will help you learn the Bible, study theology, and interpret scriptures. This knowledge will be important when you share the Good News.
2007-01-25 05:36:21 · answer #4 · answered by trigam41 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, while God calls each of us to a walk in life, He does not want us to walk that walk unprepared. A Pastor must go to school, maybe more so than all others
2007-01-25 05:33:45 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas G 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You will KNOW if a pastor is lead by God, or not, by the fruit they produce.
An active church?
Happy members?
Members volunteering to help?
Tithe money coming in?
Congregation supported?
Lots of Kids sitting on the front row?
Our does--and we KNOW God is behind our preacher.
Yes, they need to go to Seminary, which IS school.
2007-01-25 05:33:17 · answer #6 · answered by bettyboop 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since there really is no God a Pastor can not be called by what is not really there!!
Delusions have no value!!
If someone said the Pink Monkey called me to be a doctor but they never went to med school would you trust that person with your life??
2007-01-25 05:35:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well there is no reason why he shouldn't. God may call him and God may use a school to properly prepare and equip him for God's work.
2007-01-25 05:32:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Called in what way ? What kind of contact does God have with anyone ? How does God talk to anyone except in their imagination ? We all know how much imagination is worth.
2007-01-25 05:38:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If God's plan for a person is to be a doctor, should he/she go to school?
I see your point, but I think that there is benefit in learning sound doctrine and effective presentation.
2007-01-25 05:35:28 · answer #10 · answered by In God I Trust (a.k.a. infohog) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋