Is Bible College Necessary?
Over a week gone since my last post, so I thought I’d give you a treat; my first video podcasty thingy.
I recorded it last night, at about 11pm, and I thought I’d answer the questions asked by Jermayn last week.
“To be a minister, do you need to go to bible college? Is it beneficial? Does it help or hinder?”
I used iMovie 08 for the first time. It’s quick and simple, and it uploads directly to YouTube, cutting out heaps of work. However, it’s really limited. It doesn’t automatically slice the video for easy editing, so it’s a real pain to edit out mistakes. Therefore, here you have raw, and totally uncut footage.
It reminds me of the first time I gave my testimony. I took too long, and said too much. However, I hope the video, all 8 minutes of it, is edifying for you.
Remember to contribute to the discussion in the comments.
I like the video idea keep them coming, I had to listen to it a couple of times though but it still didnt take as long as me reading it would have!
I think the answer really lies with whatever God calls you to, as you pointed out with spurgeon he had a desire to go to college but ‘God shut the door’.
If God calls you to go then GO, and it will prove benificial. But if God doesnt call you to college then DONT GO! It will hinder you, mabye not intellectually but if He is not calling you to college then there is somewhere else He does want you and thats where you will find spiritual blessing.
From the pew side of the discussion, I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments.
Thinking back to the two predecessors in the pulpit you currently occupy, as well as yourself, and considering the total of 2 years (?) “official” college between all of you, I have to say IMHO the evidence speaks for itself that college is not a necessity for a preacher to be used of God.
I’ve always felt that some (not all) college trained ministers appear to be “sermon factories”. By that I mean they have an ability to churn out sermon after sermon, week after week, but so often they seem to be missing a genuine passion for what they are preaching. From the pew that sometimes feels like one is hearing “yet another essay”, rather than hearing and seeing a real desire from the minister to be used of God to communicate God’s message to their hearers.
Far be it from me to throw stones however - my intention is that of constructive criticism which stems from the perspective of one who has been encouraged in recent years by those with a genuine passion and love for Christ.
Speaking of essays….I appear to be writing one…better quit while I’m ahead
David - I’m glad you liked the video. You’re right, it all comes down to obedience.
Peter - Thanks for the support bro, you have no idea how much it means.
Like you, it’s not my intention to cause people to think I’m better than others. In fact, I can’t explain how I feel sometimes…but, it’s pretty bad.
Knowing that the Word preached is benefitting anyone is highly encouraging. Continue to pray that God will help me.
Seems strange seeing you on video, but I’m glad you put this together, Armen. Great stuff.
I feel like I know you a little better now.
becoming quite a pro! lol. No, I really enjoyed the video. Good to see interaction and expressions. A vital need ,is for a passionate desire ,with love , compassion and tears to reach the lost for Christ. (which you have) Draw nigh unto God and he WIll draw nigh unto you. At the right time you will know God’s will for you. He knows what you need. In the meantime you doing a great job! God Bless!
Liked the video brother - gives an added dimension to the subject since we are able to see your expressions and body language! Though you do look slightly sleepy!
As you have touched on, unfortunately it seems that the vast majority (if not all) Bible Colleges have turned into giant freezers - with many examples of men going in ‘on fire’ and coming out ice cold - having been brainwashed into pastoring/preaching based on man’s tradition rather than being based on the Word.
I can only agree with Ruth when she says -
“A vital need ,is for a passionate desire ,with love , compassion and tears to reach the lost for Christ. (which you have)”
A doctorate awarded by man cannot be substituted for this!
David - lol yeah, I suppose it’s a lot more direct and personal than anything else I’ve ever done.
Ruth - Thanks, but you obviously don’t know me very well
Kyle - Thank you brother. I noticed I looked a little sleepy myself.
Don’t agree with her, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about
. But, you’re right; nothing can substitute it.
I have youtube blocked on the computer im viewing so ill watch later.
but in regards to the question, i do think it depends on what God wants you to do. Nicky Cruz (Cross and Switchblade) went but he had no educational standing and no biblical knowledge so it would be beneficial for him but for a churchy/ ie it probably is not necessary.
My problem with Bible college is all the people I know and have heard from who say that it actually blunted their whole view of God. Guess that depends on the person and teachers though.
last point and then ill go. I personally do not believe God has called me to bible college but i know he has called me to preach and be an evangelist and missionary worker. Each to their own i Guess.
btw Good topic
You’re a hoot (with reference to your response to Ruth)…ha! I laughed!
Anyway, video…I enjoyed it…video footage as a medium for this blog, I mean. The topic…I enjoyed it too. Cool topic…although difficult one.
I can see the benefits of Bible College…no doubt…alot of them are very clear…and you mentioned some yourself. I do fear sometimes, however, that it results in alot of carbon copies (which of course is unavoidable sometimes. Look at students when they go to university…some of them develop accents, or people who move to another town…likewise. People who live with each other also…they often have similar mannerisms, social skills, etc). I feel it can remove the individual style and projection of a preacher (which is often loved so much), thus, many sound the same.
I am not going to comment further as much of what I would have said has already been mentioned….so I am done…
Ciao!
armen, i’ve been reading a few of ur blogs, an it’s cool to listen to you through them, the video is pretty klass too u looked wreked though, not sleeping?
i have the privilage of living close the the masters seminary collage here in los angeles.. i do see seminary students go in all fired up. some slow down through it for sure, most gain more and more knowledge and come out better equiped with a heart for evangelism. this is a good school where each professor is concerned about the spiritual relationship that the students have with christ though. is this mayb the difference between those God calls and those he does not? do you think that alot of people think they have a call for the ministry or arn’t actually equiping themselves for it so they go to collage with the thought that the collage will?
hey it’s good to see you! God bless, joel
Jermayn - No problem. Thanks for asking the question.
The thing is though, when it comes to giving examples, like I did with Spurgeon, or you did with Nicky Cruz, we’re presenting exceptions to the rule. There is no way one should assume they are an exception, and I say that to you as a brother. If you’re thinking of full-time work for God, you should be considering where you can be properly trained, until God closes that door.
Speaking from experience, knowing that you’re ill equipped, is not a great feeling.
Taleen - Thanks sister. Bare in mind, this wasn’t an all encompassing dealing with the subject. I just briefly answered the questions posed to me.
What you say is very true. There are culturalisms (is that a word?) which define what we’re like. I was dealing with this in brief this week, when speaking of Nathanael. He had a stereotype of Nazarene’s, which was the product of those days. It was wrong in the way he applied it to Christ though.
Joel - Long time no speak brother. Great to have you here.
For the record, yes, it was after 11pm when the video was recorded, so that’s why I look tired.
That’s good to hear of that seminary. A good seminary/college will not hinder people from being zealous for Christ. Individuals, for the most part, hinder themselves.
I’m not sure. I don’t think there would be any college that doesn’t have people passing through it, which were never meant to be there. The sad reality, is people think the ministry is a glamorous job. Fools! Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising that such lose their desire as they begin to experience what being a ‘minister’ is all about.
Our church has actually someone who ran a successful bible school for Jubilee SA and he is going to start ours so yes you are right in a way.
I will be doing some courses but I wont be doing everything as I have never stopped researching, studying etc on my own so there is no real reason to study something I already know and have a revelation about.
Life is change. It is impossible to freeze life and make everything remain the way they are. I am so glad that we as Christian can bring positive change to those that need to see the love of Christ… Thank you for your articles! Jesus Is Lord!