I have been privileged to pass
through four Bible schools and receive theological training. There is a focused
sharpening that school gives you that if rightly used can be a great blessing.
It is worth stating that Bible schools do not make pastors, churches do. The
discipleship instruction in 2 Timothy 2:2, “and what you have heard from me in
the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to
teach others also” is given in the context of the local church. With that said,
Bible schools are a helpful complement to churches in training men. They come
alongside churches in training men for the work of ministry. Last week I shared
three things I learnt from Bible school, this week I will share three things I
did not learn from Bible school.
- The
complicated nature of life and ministry
When you read textbooks and discuss
principles in class, things are often black and white and the ideal is
presented and assumed. However, the moment you step out of the classroom you
discover that life and ministry are not black and white or even ideal. It is
those unforeseen and unexpected circumstances that one has to navigate through regularly.
Matters of ethics can get complicated very quickly when real lives are
involved!
- The slow
nature of growth
In discussing ministry philosophy
and methodology in Bible school, you often talk about steps to follow and
procedures to apply in order to have success. It sounds straightforward such
that Bible school graduates often end up overestimating their abilities and the
impact, they will have if they follow these steps. When you jump into the
trenches of ministry, you soon realise that progress and growth is often a slow
process and the minister, like the farmer must exercise patience and play the
long game.
- The
emotional investment involved
Furthermore, a classroom can never
prepare you for the emotional rollercoaster that life is. You have to learn to
minister while rejoicing, grieving, mourning, despairing or experiencing the
blues. I remember one day, I had to officiate a wedding and conduct a funeral
in one morning. Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions!
I am thankful for the many lessons I
learnt in theological schools. I gained valuable tools for ministry. However, the
classroom and textbooks have their limitations. There are some things you can
only learn while doing life with others in the context of the local church.
Wonderful, honest reflection. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting read ... Last point is one that made me laugh out of pity and wonder. I wonder how that can be done while presenting yourself "Real". I mean, funeral and wedding same day 🤔
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