College Truly Necessary?

[Mayflower1]

Hi, I was wondering this for awhile, and I was surprised what some adults around campus were saying.

For the preachers/missionaries who have graduated college and have a ministry, please answer this because I am trying to figure out where college fits in. A lot have told me college opens doors, but really God is the One who opens the doors. I am already in a ministry and am doing great in it, but I am not sure if I should go for a degree or not. Please share what you think. Lily00

 

[Macrina]

There is an intrinsic value in education, even apart from any "practical" application you find for it.

Through higher education, you develop (ideally) critical thinking skills and are exposed to a variety of perspectives that prepare you for work in the world (including ministry).

There is also the "credential" element, which for me is actually a far second to the intrinsic value of education. But it is true that people are more professionally accepting of someone who has a degree -- and yes, this goes for church situations, too.

For me, I was required to get an MDiv, so naturally college was a must. For a lot of advanced studies -- things that can really enhance your natural gifts for ministry -- you need to have an undergraduate degree. In addition, the subject that I studied (even at my secular school) have been useful to me in ministry.

I know many people who regret not getting a college degree, but I don't know anyone who regrets getting one.

 

[Mayflower1]

Thank you. Tough decision but I think at this time I will stay where I am at.

 

[Macrina]

You're welcome. I think it is a wise choice to pursue an education.

 

[Mayflower1]

To pursue an education isn't the same as getting a degree... education is very important to me when it comes to God, but the greater percentage spent in sciences, history, and philosophy classes is what I am concerned with.

 

[Macrina]

To pursue an education isn't the same as getting a degree... education is very important to me when it comes to God, but the greater percentage spent in sciences, history, and philosophy classes is what I am concerned with.

True, education and the degree are not the same thing; I misspoke (typed). But the degree does indicate that you've attained a certain level of education, including those subjects you mention.

And those other subjects are valuable. For one thing, they challenge your creativity and ability to think in new ways. It's like a workout for your intelligence, which will help you later on. Plus, you might be surprised at the benefits you reap from a general education. The history and philosophy classes will help you in biblical studies and theology. The science classes will help you understand and reach out to scientists who may be used to different thinking patterns than you.

I know it's frustrating, but like I said, I've never known anyone to regret getting a college degree. I know a lot who regret not finishing college, though.

 

[bliz]

To pursue an education isn't the same as getting a degree... education is very important to me when it comes to God, but the greater percentage spent in sciences, history, and philosophy classes is what I am concerned with.

Before you make a decision, do some serious research. Your above post makes it clear that you have not looked into all the different types of college and college programs that are out there. You may find that a Bible College could give you exactly what you are looking for and be a great addition to your ministry.

 

[Father Rick]

I couldn't agree with Macrina more.

Having a degree will open doors nothing else will-- as has been previously mentioned. Additionally, there are many non-believers (as well as believers for that matter) who won't accept/respect your ministry if you don't have the education to back it up. It will provide in a space of 4-6 years (depending on degree) what would take you 20 years of studying on your own to learn. Also, much of what goes on "behind the scenes" in ministry-- counseling, administration, etc. are skills that are best learned in a higher education setting.

Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament, was one of the most educated men of his day-- as was Moses, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and many of the more influential figures in scripture. Jesus taught/trained his disciples one-on-one for 3 years before sending them out. There is nothing in scripture that can justify refusing the opportunity to get a better education if it is available, and plenty of scripture regarding studying, etc. as to getting an education.

 

[jsimms615]

I guess it depends on what your doing or thinking about doing and if you want to move on to something else? I got a psychology degree in college and it is pretty useless. I wish I had gotten a biblica studies degree or something like that or something more useful.

 

[Mayflower1]

Oh, thinking of giving up college didn't take any research. I have checked out a number of colleges. It just seems to me that for a library card and hands on training, you can learn a lot more of it on your own in a less amount of time.

 

[Macrina]

Oh, thinking of giving up college didn't take any research. I have checked out a number of colleges. It just seems to me that for a library card and hands on training, you can learn a lot more of it on your own in a less amount of time.

There's a lot to be said for having the guidance of good instructors who are experts in the field. Just because a book is in print doesn't mean it's accurate. Formal education will equip you with tools to make better use of that library card. It's not just about learning facts -- it's about the educational process and methods of critical thinking.

 

[BrBob]

A college education is not always about a job or ministry and how you can use it in them. It is about who you are and how God us forming you for His purposes. College opens your eyes to things you may never think about otherwise. God may use college as a way to expose you to people and information you have no inkling even exist now.

If the Lord wants you to go to college, just go. Don't look for a practical reason, just do it.

Bob
Spearfish, SD

 

[Godsgurl4evr]

It may be a good idea to go to Bible College. You could be around others that share a love for the same things you do and you could get a degree in something you love. Its not a must to have a degree to preace, but one day you'll be happy you did. ​

 

[fireman1173005]

Not necessary, but helpful
Brian

 

[m16150]

very little

 

[Aceybee]

Others around me helped a lot I think.. they thought of things and questions I never would have.. plus my lecturers were a really great resource and we still keep in contact if I have any questions..

 

[plmarquette]

there are several on-line and corespondance schools where you can earn a degree at home at your pace ...
www.gmrinc.org Global Ministries & Relief is one I am familiar with ... Dr. Leon Van Rooyen

some of school is for mentoring , discipline , and rounding of perspective ... history , biology , math , sociology , anthropology ... to help balance your perceptions in theology ...

 

[kennyconley]

I'm currently in a church that doesn't really out a lot of emphasis on education. I, however. think it makes a big differnence. There are several jobs that I would not have gotten without my degree which later opened doors for where I am now. Go to any church job posting page and I would bet you would wouldn't find very many openings that didn't require some kind of education past high school.

Kenny

 

[4Everloved]

If the Lord wants you to go to college, just go. Don't look for a practical reason, just do it.

Bob
Spearfish, SD


Your quote really spoke to me, Bob, even though it was written for someone earlier who started this thread.

I am old and feel quite ridiculous going back to school. I feel even more ridiculous going to a bible college, because I'm a woman and Southern Baptist. It's hard to break the social mores. But I know that's what God's asking me to do. I don't think I've totally surrendered yet.

Odd--he called me 11 years ago and I'm still not fully surreneded. A very stubborn donkey, that's me.

But I'm getting more and more like Him every day. I'm not there yet, but I know the Guide, and He'll take me all the way until I see Jesus.

 

[4Everloved]

God has been nudging me these past few days.

Macrina, I just read the helpful comment you gave me---and it really blessed me. It's almost like I was waiting for somebody--a human being--to give me the thumbs up? To say, "Go ahead, you can do it."

It impresses me that you are not only a pastor, but a woman. In my part of the country, women who are pastors are generally looked down upon. So I think you are strong and I admire you.

I have applied for Fafsa and will returning to school definitely in the fall of 07. I plan to get a regular social work degree at Univ. of Tenn., and take courses online at Clear Creek Bible College.

At least I have plans now! The other day when I posted here, I was still unclear as to what I would do.

God will give me the strength to finish school. I will need prayer, lol, because I have a sweet husband who likes good cooking and a clean house, a sweet teenage daughter, and a rambunctious 2 year old boy named Caleb. This leaves me, oh, about 1 and 1/2 hours for daily study....if I'm able to organize my time. I'm not the most organized person in the world and I have a short attention span, too.

But....as I said....God will give me strength.

Thanks again, Macrina

love,
4Everloved