Excellent thoughts on the vital role of theology in ministry preparation, from Dr. Kevin Bauder (Central Baptist Seminary, Minneapolis, MN).
First, the problems that Christian churches and Christian people are facing today are fundamentally theological. The answers cannot be found in social sciences, philosophies, or methodologies. The problems will continue to grow until we address the false theologies””the wrong ways of thinking about God and His world””that lie at their root.
Second, if the foregoing is true, then the best preparation for ministry is theological preparation. Seminaries in particular must be careful to prepare Christian leaders who have the tools to evaluate bad theologies and to correct the bad ways of living that arise from bad ways of perceiving God. Schools that overload the curriculum with “methods” courses and that fail to prepare their graduates to think through new issues are dooming the next generation to shallow leadership.
Third, within the seminaries, even the most academic subjects must be taught with an eye to real-world ministry. Ideally, every professor of Greek, Hebrew, hermeneutics, history, or theology will bring substantial pastoral or missionary experience to his task. He will be able to show his students how their studies will matter when they reach their first full-time ministry. In other words, pastoral theology should not be something that is added on. It ought to be taught in every course in the curriculum.
Let me be clear. The best preparation for ministry is rigorously theological. Greek, Hebrew, hermeneutics, and theology are right at the heart of how a Christian leader does his work. I say this, not as an ivory-tower intellectual, but as somebody who’s got his nose bloody in the real world of pastoring and church planting. There is no substitute for the training that you get in a good theological seminary.
These thoughts apply across the board, from strict fundamentalists to the evangelical left. All can tend toward an emphasis on methodology to a diminishing of theology. Be sure to read the entire post!
I agree. It was an excellent post! I am even more convinced that I need to go on for my Masters. And I really thought I was done with school 11 years ago!
I recently finished my Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary in May. Dr. Bauder is correct about the four essential ‘subjects’ one needs in a seminary curriculum, as well as professors who’ve been there, done that, and can apply them to ‘real ministry’. College was somewhat elementary compared to seminary, and I’d encourage those considering full-time ministry to consider their preparation through a seminary education. It’s well worth the time, effort, and experience.
By the way, Bob, you haven’t answered an earlier question…. did you graduate with a Master’s degree, and from where?
Thanks for the comments guys.
And yes, Larry, I do have an M.A. in Bible (Language emphasis). From Fairhaven Baptist College & Seminary, a small IFB church-based college.
I would like to go on and get more education, but bills and other pressures are in the way currently, although I am taking advantage of our Bible intstitute at my church, and hope to take advantage of a few of the many free online seminary level courses available some time.
Blessings, brothers.