Should every leader of the church have a masters degree or higher?

[Rose_bud]

A qualified, educated Pastor; yes.
One with a Master's degree or above? Not necessary.

I'd add and start with ...called of God.

 

[Strong in Him]

I'd add and start with ...called of God.

Absolutely; that's the only qualification that really matters. Forgive me, I was thinking in terms of academic achievement.
But without a calling from God, no amount of awards or degrees mean anything.

 

[timothyu]

Those who think they know better are always a threat.

"When Jesus come to town, all the working folks around
Believed what he did say
But the bankers and the preachers, they nailed Him on the cross,
And they laid Jesus Christ in his grave." ... Woody Guthrie

I'd add and start with ...called of God.

I'll raise you one and add they must understand Jesus separated the Kingdom from the world of man due to their idealistic differences and asked us to make a choice between the two. Tough call for those trying to build a religious business.

 

[Rose_bud]

Those who think they know better are always a threat.

"When Jesus come to town, all the working folks around
Believed what he did say
But the bankers and the preachers, they nailed Him on the cross,
And they laid Jesus Christ in his grave." ... Woody Guthrie

I'll raise you one and add they must understand Jesus separated the Kingdom from the world of man due to their idealistic differences and asked us to make a choice between the two. Tough call for those trying to build a religious business.

I'd fold and say that both heaven and earth belongs to Him. His kingdom is, wherever He reigns. His subjects are called to subvert all opposed to His rule, showing a better way and by doing this the way King has done it. By giving up their lives.

 

[stevevw]

Idk would you want to receive surgery from a surgeon without a doctorate? I sure wouldn't because one small slip up could mean the end of my life. We generally trust those with doctorates to preform the surgery correctly because they've had hands on experience with surgery and theyre knowledgable. In the same way, if a Pastor is unequipped to handle any question that may come that is just as dangerous as receiving surgery from a surgeon with no degree.

I would even make the argument that a skilled Pastor is more necessary than the surgeon example because one is losing your life and another is losing your soul. Big difference.
Thats why these requirements are put into place in the first place. We have masters degrees for everything but at the same time, many degrees that exist are important because it trains the person for and prepares them for things that are likely going to come up in their jobs. You can have all of the knowledge in the world about a particular subject but without the first hand experience and training that comes from schooling you're generally up a creek without a paddle.

OK I agree if it was a surgeon or mechanic I would want them to know what they are doing. But a Pastor doesn't need a doctorate I don't think. Just knowledge of Gods word and some general understanding of people. A Pastor should not really engage in psychological therapy or medical advice apart from referring them to specialists.

That is the mark of a good Pastor who is aware of their limits and is able to understand that some issues are beyond them. But as far as spirituality is concerned and Gods word I think thats all that is required. That they be open to Gods word and minister accordingly. Obviously they have to be a peoples person and get along well with a variety of people.

I agree that it is good for a person who is speaking on religious and theological matters to have some knowledge of biblical history for context and probably some understanding of social issues that effect people and society. Knowing your audience and understanding the many issues people face.

But I don't think the diciplies or early church leaders had much academic training and someof the greatest were average people who could empathize and relate to everyday peoples concerns and could come down to their level. You cannot really explain spiritual matters with evidence or scientific theories. Its really just realting to people and getting to know them and speaking GOds word.

 

[Palmfever]

Yes, by our Lord snd Master.

 

[timothyu]

Heiser sums it all up about seminary education and explains what masters degree actually is.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I'd add and start with ...called of God.

Rose, you've hit the nail on the head since we all know being called of God is the most important part of being a Christian Leader of any sort.

Still, if I were a betting person, I'd put my money on the advice (and admonitions) that Christian theologian, Ben Witherington III, gives about what it often takes to be a Christian Scholar, even one with a PhD. He gives his advice in his book, Is There a Doctor in the House?: An Insider's Story and Advice on becoming a Bible scholar (2011), Zondervan Publishers.

I think Ben Witherington III's advice lines up well with the fact that, along with the importance of humility in a Christian leader, even when he/she has significant knowledge, we also see Paul the Apostle also saying in reference to those who thought they were knowledgeable but rejected Jesus, "For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge." -- Romans 10:2

Moreover, we know as well that Jesus intended to send to those who had "a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge," additional educated and/or wise individuals to confront them, "Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, ... " Matthew 23:34.

So, at minimum, and somewhere within the Church, and even if it's not to be found through and through in every hallway or at every church podium, we should recognize that solid, well developed knowledge of both God's Will and the Bible and an assortment of other topics..... is important.

Some Christians, unfortunately, didn't get the memo.

 

[Paidiske]

I have benefitted from many of Ben Witherington's works, thank you so much, @2PhiloVoid, for mentioning this one. I will look it up!

 

[Josheb]

In the PCA denomination, to be a Pastor requires a master of divinity or higher. Ensuring smooth operation and prevention of common issues. Roles such as elders, deacons, and treasurers do not necessarily require to have a master's degree in Divinity or equivalent, The question posed is whether all Christian denominations should adopt this standard. The argument for universal adoption includes:

1. Educated clergy are less likely to misinterpret scripture or provide misguided advice, as understanding ancient languages and biblical interpretation typically requires formal education.
2. Clergy without an education tend to have a low view of Scripture and they'll either twist the word of God or they'll declare it or church attendance unimportant when both are essential to the Christian faith. This can happen even from people with an education as well but it's much, much easier for this to happen in an uneducated clergy member than an educated one.
3. A uneducated clergy member can take advantage of its congregation and can abuse the authority given to them by God. Generally clergy who have an education tend to take God's word more seriously and will take their duty to educate, help and lead the flock of God. It takes an education in theology and pastorship to learn how to lead the flock of God and to help people come to Christ and to learn the importance of church worship.
4. It generally takes an education to understand the word of God and biblical interpretation should be left to the theologians and Clergy who know and understand what the word of God says.
5. (Biased opinion) A Pastor without an education is like a hunter without a gun. They are unequipped to handle everything that being the leader of a church entails and they tend to be as John MCarthur puts it, "unqualified".
   
   The suggestion is that these reasons validate the need for educational requirements across all Christian denominations to maintain high standards of leadership and guidance within the church.
   

LOL! Oh, man, that question's funny.

Consider Peter and Paul. Peter was a fisherman who was, likely, uneducated. Paul, alternatively, was one of the most theologically educated men of his day AND he studied under the greatest Jewish rabbi of his day.

That being said, I understand and support the PCA's position because as a counselor (now retired), it's not a good thing to have anyone providing counsel, especially not spiritually.

How long did it take a man to become a priest in the Levitical order?

 

[Rose_bud]

Rose, you've hit the nail on the head since we all know being called of God is the most important part of being a Christian Leader of any sort.

Still, if I were a betting person, I'd put my money on the advice (and admonitions) that Christian theologian, Ben Witherington III, gives about what it often takes to be a Christian Scholar, even one with a PhD. He gives his advice in his book, Is There a Doctor in the House?: An Insider's Story and Advice on becoming a Bible scholar (2011), Zondervan Publishers.

I think Ben Witherington III's advice lines up well with the fact that, along with the importance of humility in a Christian leader, even when he/she has significant knowledge, we also see Paul the Apostle also saying in reference to those who thought they were knowledgeable but rejected Jesus, "For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge." -- Romans 10:2

Moreover, we know as well that Jesus intended to send to those who had "a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge," additional educated and/or wise individuals to confront them, "Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, ... " Matthew 23:34.

So, at minimum, and somewhere within the Church, and even if it's not to be found through and through in every hallway or at every church podium, we should recognize that solid, well developed knowledge of both God's Will and the Bible and an assortment of other topics..... is important.

Some Christians, unfortunately, didn't get the memo.

Hey 2Philo

Hope you are good.

I said I was gonna fold on this thread. But nonetheless.

I agreed with the post by StronginHim and offered that it always starts with called of God
1. called of God, qualified, educated Pastor yes
2. One with a Master's Degree or above not necessary.

So I agree education for a pastor is important. The church I belong to has as a unspoken requirement of an honours degree in theology, (which is a minimum of four years).
But with that said I've been equipped and encouraged by many more people who hold no accredited theological degree, but rather self-study, merely wanting to be obedient to what God is telling them to do.

The theological studies for a Master's degree at least here in SA, broadly falls in two categories a research type stream where the end deliverable would be a full thesis. And the structured approach which is more coursework and a mini-thesis.
This usually results in an additional 2 years of study, more so for a Phd.

If you can afford to do the extra years, do so. But is it a requirement to shepherd the flock. IMO, no.

Will you become a credible voice in the academic world. Most probably. Do we need different credible voices and perspectives in the academic world. I think so.

 

[Rose_bud]

Is Revelation and Experience with Jesus Himself better than seventeen college degrees or awards ? YES!

Hey Aaron112

Yes, it is always better. For me personally, the theological study was in itself a revelatory experience. I couldn't tackle any assignment or X word research paper, without being yielded and willing to submit to what God wanted to show me. I spent more time being in total awe of what I discovered as He guided me in and through a difficult process. More times completely floored by His counsel. Having to discern when to stubbornly hold to my convictions and when God was renewing the way I was thinking.

A theological degree doesn't 'make' you a pastor, God does that, confirmed by the Church.

The study like any other studies, equips you for the task. It provides you with tools necessary to handle God's Word with the respect and the reverence it deserves. It also gives you the opportunity to be encouraged and equipped by those with a gift of teaching, which is often missed with self-study. To meet in a formal environment with others who hold different theological views than you, and to be able to openly discuss and dialogue without it being "awkward", as with other areas of study.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I have benefitted from many of Ben Witherington's works, thank you so much, @2PhiloVoid, for mentioning this one. I will look it up!

You're most welcome, sister Paidiske! And if you're into Ben Witherington's work, have you also read his book, The Problem with Evangelical Theology: Testing the Exegetical Foundations of Calvinism, Dispensationalism and Wesleyanism? (2005).

Whether we agree with Witherington or not on all counts, that book is a good read too, and of the sort that has influenced the hermeneutical, historical and philosophical tact that I so often aver for where the conceptual intricacies of denominationalized interpretations of the Bible and/or of Biblical Traditions are concerned.

 

[Paidiske]

I haven't come across that one either; I've spent more time in his Biblical commentaries. Isaiah Old and New has been particularly helpful to my preaching.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I haven't come across that one either; I've spent more time in his Biblical commentaries. Isaiah Old and New has been particularly helpful to my preaching.

That sounds like an interesting book as well, although I'm sure I'd make a different use of it on critical terms than you might. Then again, I'm not a pastor and probably shouldn't be. But thanks for the reference. I'll keep it in mind since I do go in for those textually critical studies when I have time.

 

[fhansen]

In the PCA denomination, to be a Pastor requires a master of divinity or higher. Ensuring smooth operation and prevention of common issues. Roles such as elders, deacons, and treasurers do not necessarily require to have a master's degree in Divinity or equivalent, The question posed is whether all Christian denominations should adopt this standard. The argument for universal adoption includes:

1. Educated clergy are less likely to misinterpret scripture or provide misguided advice, as understanding ancient languages and biblical interpretation typically requires formal education.
2. Clergy without an education tend to have a low view of Scripture and they'll either twist the word of God or they'll declare it or church attendance unimportant when both are essential to the Christian faith. This can happen even from people with an education as well but it's much, much easier for this to happen in an uneducated clergy member than an educated one.
3. A uneducated clergy member can take advantage of its congregation and can abuse the authority given to them by God. Generally clergy who have an education tend to take God's word more seriously and will take their duty to educate, help and lead the flock of God. It takes an education in theology and pastorship to learn how to lead the flock of God and to help people come to Christ and to learn the importance of church worship.
4. It generally takes an education to understand the word of God and biblical interpretation should be left to the theologians and Clergy who know and understand what the word of God says.
5. (Biased opinion) A Pastor without an education is like a hunter without a gun. They are unequipped to handle everything that being the leader of a church entails and they tend to be as John MCarthur puts it, "unqualified".
   
   The suggestion is that these reasons validate the need for educational requirements across all Christian denominations to maintain high standards of leadership and guidance within the church.
   

It's much better. Priests must have a bachelors plus four years of seminary or theology. This was instituted in order to help ensure a higher and standardized level of knowledge. Interestingly, Appalachian pastors of 150 year ago were often more highly valued if they had no learning, and sometimes couldn't even read. 'Don't need no book learnin' or pointy headed college boys around these parts!'

 

[Rsdar]

Simple answer? No. Education is an asset but there may be more than one avenue of education. Also education does not necessarily produce wisdom. Knowledge and Godly Wisdom now that's important.

 

[timothyu]

All the education in the world won't matter if they 'don't get it'. Amazing how many teachers never see past the backwards will of man, let alone teach about it