In some circles, formal theological/biblical education is frowned upon. I understand their objections, and in another post I may revisit the issue to focus in on addressing objections to enrolling in Christian higher-ed institutions. Here, I simply want to offer some reasons why you should attend Bible College (undergraduate school) or Seminary (graduate school). Some of these principles apply to formal training in general, whether Christian or secular.
- Institutional learning challenges the assumptions we often bring to our understanding of God and our world as individuals. We can’t escape the conditioning which shapes our worldview, but learning from others and following tracks set for us is a way to ferret out our presuppositions and discern if they are worth hanging on to. This factor increases exponentially if you study at a school with a tradition different from yours.
- Formal Bible training, in its simplest form, is merely a highly concentrated effort for students to learn God’s word. Energy, time, and money is offered as a sacrificial act of worship to God in an effort to familiarize oneself with God’s truth. Lest the word “formal” turn someone off, consider the nature of what was happening in Acts 19:9. This is the first Christian seminary!
- Studying on your own often results in following pathways that aren’t worthwhile. Higher learning institutions that are accredited have qualified professionals who mentor your learning process. They know where good places are to begin and can shield you from wasting time in books or topics that are not going to be as effective in training you for your ministry. This makes your growth more efficient and helps ensure good stewardship of time.
- Going to school helps you discover, rather than re-invent concepts. Studying without the aide of a tutor will often result in you spending an unjustifiable amount of time “re-inventing the wheel.” You’ll spend an unwise amount of time in exegesis, systemizing theology, or philosophizing if you don’t have the right reference points. Others have gone before you–use this blessing God’s provided you with!
To be continued (maybe).
Andy
great points. it bewilders me how someone may think that additional Bible education can be ‘frowned up’. We are called to grow spiritually until the day God calls us home.
Have fun in Canada
Andy We need to go to Bible School so we can actually study the bible with other faithful Christians and The teachers will teach us what God wants us to do. You were right about our energy would be spent more in the bible then we would have a better relationship with God. He loves us so much that he is willing to reveal himself to us and the only way that happens is when we focus on His word and Pray.
I totally agree with you! I’m in seminary now and I have found it to be very rewarding! It is more productive than simply studying on my own and I’m learning things that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. I’m being challenged by the research papers and tests as well. Overall, I’m just so glad I decided to go to seminary!
Thanks for posting Dan. I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying seminary as well! If we can practice “delayed gratification” I believe we’re going to experience the impact of giving it our all in class in our ministries. Papers, exams, everything…they intensely prepare us for teaching and preaching God’s word to the world! Hope your training continues to deepen your personal salvation and ministry.