To Bible College or not To Bible College: That is the Question

[Awaken4Christ]

I would like to hear the various opinions about whether someone should go to bible college or not if they want to start a Church or Missionary Program.

I am 4 units away from my bachelors degree in the liberal arts. It is a secular degree completed at a christian private university. I am familiar with the practice of exegesis, as opposed to eisegesis. I believe Christ is at the core of the bible. I am not good at memorizing verses, but I basically can find my way in the bible within a few pages of the verses I happen to think of. I have had speech classes.

Assuming the spirit is ready, what do you think? I would like to hear from the mainline protestants to the hardline baptists and reformers.

 

[1watchman]

Hello friend. Here is a paper that I think might answer some of your questions. You can also see more on this at the very sound site: www.biblecounsel.net and ask questions there. Look up always!


Training For Ministry?

MINISTRY TRAINING SCHOOLS
[Adapted from the paper: Ministry, from the Christian Counsel Collection - R. DeWitt]​

Regarding some thoughts expressed about the need to study in schools to become Pastors, we need to ask if that is what God expects. One might become a true pastor, teacher, or evangelist by an exercise of soul and gift by the Holy Spirit, but not otherwise by the studies or determination of men for a career, according to what we learn from the Word of God.
We can be thankful for any desire and gift to serve the Lord, but one needs to also understand what it means to serve. There is a paper on Christian Service which might help, if one would like to see that. All believers ought to study the Word of God and pray earnestly to be of some service for the Lord, but that doesn't entitle them to a special position in the church.

Many young Christians with a desire to serve the Lord, hurry off to a Bible school to learn how to serve God, but then are caught up in a system and program to learn how to serve and manage a congregation, perform ceremonies, teach man's doctrines and creeds, and lead people. If one would like to have a job as a clergyman, he might say: "God has called me", but is that really what happened? God alone is the teacher in His assemblies, and leader of His people, and the Word seems to teach us that all the saints are priests (1 Pet.2) and can minister. The apostle, Paul, said: "covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way" - 1 Cor.12:31.

To serve God one does not need a Bible school or seminary, but learn to be yielded to the Lord and obedient to His Word; and in conformity to God's testimony in the world (prayerfully meditate on Rom.12). It may take years of preparation for one to learn even the essential truths, and to see if the Lord is pleased to use one in fulltime service. The expectation given all believers in the Word is to be a light---a witness and testimony as we go along, share what God has shown us, and encourage the saints, until God shows us if He chooses one as a vessel for further service in any measure. The church is His company or body, not man's organization requiring plans and management, etc. God must be the teacher and leader.

Pastors, teachers, and evangelists mentioned in the Bible are in the plural for an assembly, for there is no thought by God of appointed office, a hierarchy or one-man ministry---in fact God hates it (Rev.2:6). When we recognize the priesthood of all believers, we can see that there is no such thing in the New Testament as one set forward as the priest, and no one is gifted in all things (1 Cor.12). Some believers may be pastors (shepherds) to encourage and care for the spiritual good of the saints in the gathering; some may be gifted as teachers of the Word; some may be especially called to preach the gospel message. Many saints may have these gifts in a scriptural assembly and they come from God, not from a seminary.

When it is left to one man (or several) to lead or manage, the gifts and leading of the Holy Spirit is quenched (1 Thess. 5:19), and there is thus no balance against the flesh and reasoning of one. God says to "feed the flock", and "not for filthy lucre", and not "being lords over God's heritage" (1 Pet. 5:2-3).

There is no better place to learn the Word of God than in a sound scriptural assembly where the Bible is studied verse by verse, recognizing the complete harmony of it all. In such a place one will have the benefit of many older brothers to balance thoughts, "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27), and volumes of study material down through the ages to compare scripture with scripture for the truth. As one has said: the assembly is the depository of truth, and God does the teaching. One should know there is nothing taught in Bible schools that is needed in God's gatherings (including the study of history, Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, etc. which is all available in various concordances, lexicons, and ministry). Many dear brothers can also preach a funeral or wedding ceremony, and training in that is not needed.

No one has authority from God to proclaim himself to be an evangelist, teacher, pastor, elder, or some officer. The saints in the fellowship will judge if it is so. It is a work (gift), not a position and title. All the saints may exercise their priesthood by the gift and leading of the Holy Spirit. One must: "take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it" (Col.4:17).

Although one would not suggest this paper covers the subject of ministry, here below are some thoughts from another paper in the Christian Counsel Collection for meditation and scriptural study; and the writer would be pleased to hear from any who have questions.
- R.L.D., 8/95; rev.1/06

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- Evangelical Ministry -​

Every true child of God should want to tell others of their hope and joy in the Lord. We might have opportunity to preach Christ, or we might only be able to make a brief comment (1 Pet.3:15). Perhaps it is only our manner of life that is a testimony. Other people watch Christians, so our manner of life surely speaks loudly.

We hardly need to say much on this subject, because believers usually want to show forth the Lord. We may be cold in heart sometimes and not moved to speak or give out literature, but it is a privilege to witness for Him and most pleasing to God (and not to be done by payment - 1 Pet.5:2-3). One ought to be sure they are clear on the redemptive way, and not stumble others.

We might "do the work of an evangelist" (2 Tim.4:5), but some have a definite gift for it, and some are even called to fulltime work in the world. Surely every brother and sister in Christ should do what they can to exalt His Name. We are not responsible for results, rather the work (Rom.10:14).

- Tutorial Ministry -​

It is good when one is "apt to teach" (2 Tim.2:24) and can set forth sound doctrine. That is a gift. There are degrees or levels of understanding. Teacher is not a title, but a description. Some brothers have much understanding of God's principles and will; and can teach the Word (not as though any are perfect). These may be elders in the local assembly as appointed by God. Elders are guardians of the testimony and are "angels of the church" (Rev.2 & 3). Elders ought to also have a pastoral care for the saints of God. They are recognized by the saints, but not part of a hierarchy, or special class over their brethren (Rev.2:6).

Any child of God may have understanding, and by sharing it they are often teaching someone. One might share a few thoughts with another, and it might prove to be profitable by the working of the Holy Spirit. This is part of our priesthood (1 Pet.2). Some are able to minister the Word quite fully, and some are even called to go forth in the Lord's work among the assemblies in the world.

- Pastoral Ministry -​

The care and encouragement of the saints of God is a worthy work, which all the saints can minister to other believers. We all need to be built up in the faith and strengthened to "hold fast", "rejoice in the Lord", "be at peace", and "press on". Some are especially gifted for this in the local assembly, and some are called to this fulltime ministry abroad. Certainly the Word of God does not teach the one-man ministry of "Pastor" of a local assembly, which is so prevalent in denominationalism (Rev.2:6). We won't speak at length on that subject here.

In ministering to the peace and joy of the saints, one should look unto the Lord and know it is not flesh and contrary to the Word of God. The elders in the local assembly should prayerfully guide and also encourage such ministry, and exercise care to not discourage the saints and "quench" the Spirit, though they must minister the Word and guard the truth. We should all understand that the assembly doesn't minister (Acts 2:42)---it is a personal work and by the Holy Spirit.

When one arranges a special time in their home or elsewhere for fellowship in song and praise, or other godly activity, it is a pastoral work because it edifies the saints and glorifies the Lord. So, "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord" (Col. 3:23). We all can surely always speak a word of encouragement to the saints we meet and help them press on. - RLD

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[HeraldOfTheHolyOne]

If you are looking to plant churches and get involved in full-time ministry I would encourage you to go to a good seminary. Make sure you're taking marriage & family courses, counseling, and ministry courses in addition to theology (though its all related!). Make sure you're in communication with your local congregation and the elders so that they know of your intentions and can help guide you.

 

[TMSigSys]

I think what you study is more important than where you go if you want to get into ministry or church planting or missions. A Bible college is good for sure because many programs at a Bible college include a minor in Bible. But any Christian college that offers a ministry degree will have a large number of Bible courses as a part of the program. I was a Youth Ministry minor and about half my college education was Bible and Theology classes.

If you are looking at colleges, I recommend looking into the Master in Ministry program from Northwest University. Their program is online and can help you learn more Bible and it is a good program to help you move toward a calling in ministry, missions, church planting, etc. Here is a link to NU's website if you want to check them out.

http://online.northwestu.edu/?utm_source=Forum&utm_medium=Forum&utm_campaign=CommunityDiscussion

 

[Butterfly99]

I had to ask my mom what a Bible college was cause I've only heard of seminaries, divinity schools or theology schools. I know the OP is pretty old so Idk if the person is still wanting advice. I'd go to a good college & then a seminary. There's some great Christian colleges. There's great colleges that aren't Christian but have a lot of Christians & a good program for ministry training. That's what my mom did. She went to Duke Divinity after she got her undergrad. Some Bible colleges aren't accredited. Gotta be careful about that.

 

[TMSigSys]

I definitely agree that you need to make sure that college you are looking at is accredited. I will say that when looking at Northwest University, I double checked to make sure they were an accredited college and they are. Its a strong program, good school, accredited.

 

[порно]

Mate. My opinion is you should pursue a career you like and if things don't work then experiment. Plenty'o fish in the sea.... if this comment is too late and you proceeded with religious studies, then I hope you feel comfortable with your choice.