You know, the more I think about it, the more I think that people who pastor congregations but refuse to get proper training are somewhat arrogant. The pastor who says that they don’t need formal training because God will teach them, or the Holy Spirit will guide them, are in essence saying that those who do receive such training are not being taught by God or led by the Spirit. It seems to me that such pastors are taking the position that they know all they need to know and that’s good enough for their congregation.
The other day Creflo Dollar said:
The Bible’s not a difficult book to read, so rather than trusting what the scholars say, I say pick the Bible up and read it for yourself…” (“Prosperity Preacher” – 3:31 min.)
Again, I find this kind of attitude arrogant. Of course we should be critical of what scholars say and do our best to find out how accurate they are (think of the Bereans in Acts 17:11 here), but I think it a mistake to act as if any person with a Bible has just as much ability to handle the text as people who have dedicated years of their lives to the study of Scripture. And from my experience, it is only those pastors who have not received proper training who make these kinds of comments.
Now I’m sure someone will object and say that Jesus didn’t call the wise or the scholars, he called fisherman and tax collectors. But such an objection misses the point, Jesus TRAINED his disciples! For all intents and purposes, sitting at the feet of Jesus was the equivalent to a seminary education. These men were equipped for the task at hand.
Does anyone else feel the way I do about this?
B”H
You’re right. The whole idea is self-referentially defeating. If you shouldn’t listen to what other people have to say about the Bible, then Creflo must include himself in that category. Moreover, if you don’t want to listen to what scholars have to say then you’re going to have to learn Greek and Hebrew for yourself because you can’t trust their translations!
There is a middle ground here. I was one of those guys who became a pastor in a church that said that a pastor doesn’t need a seminary education. And there’s truth in it – most of what you learn in seminary has no direct application on your ministry. But it informs every aspect of it. Going to seminary does not make you a good pastor, but it expands your horizons and allows you to speak with more authority about the Bible and theology – not because of a piece of paper, but because of the greater depth of knowledge that goes with it.
But I am in classes with plenty of people that don’t give a rip about the scholarship. They’re just going to school to get the piece of paper so their denomination will let them preach. I tend to think seminary will not paying off for them like it will for me, who actually cares about what C.H.Dodd said two generations ago.
“The Bible’s not a difficult book to read”
But not too easy to understand (2 Peter 3:16!)
Because one can read the Scripture doesn’t mean he understand what the Spirit is saying, I concur, Chris. (1 Corinthians 2:12-15).
I think such a attitude towards scholarship is not only arrogant, but dangerous. Reading uncritically, not studying alongside the witness of the Church down the ages is sheer nonsense and such attitudes breed heresy and cults.
I’ve heard Dollar teach that God created humanity before he created Adam and Eve because the KJV says “replenish” (Genesis 1:28). But Dollar refuse to look the original Hebrew word male which means to fill or more accurately to be full, not refill.
I totally agree Ryan, well said. :)
Chris and Jason,
Here, Here! ;)
Dollar is a theological idiot, but a master at deceitful capitalism. Demands a Marxist critique no?
It’s theologically irresponsible not to read, learn and be self-critical of what you preach. It places one’s self at a level greater than one of equality with the congregation.
So he can read it and decide whatever the hell it means for him and his mega bucks. Awesome. I’ll go out and buy a slave tomorrow and support my local KKK grand master since they do the same thing.
Creflo Dollar’s claim is that of the Fundamentalists as well – they pretty much eschew scholarship of any kind….and insist that Jesus was not a theologian, nor was Paul.
RT Jones raises really good points as well.
I agree wholeheartedly, but want to add a caution, and that is that neither education nor lack of education is a guarantee of a humble attitude. Some highly trained theologians are arrogant, abusers of power.
And I say this as a formally trained theologian.
I quite agree.
But the people who say this sort of thing have never actually read any scholars to speak of…
This post has reminded me of my Creflo Dollar story…
Do tell…
or of the scholars they read, they disagreed with because they were either too close to the doctrine of inerrancy and literal interpretation or they couldn’t handle the questions or interpretations so instead of engaging the scholar they say things like Mr. Dollar is quoted as saying.
You know what really bothers me about pastors not getting training? We expect more from our auto mechanics than ministers. We would never trust our cars to a nice guy with a good heart who read “Car Engines for Dummies” or something like that. But we’ll take it for ministers.
For me it is the seriousness with which we take the Gospel and ministry. Some people may be able to get away without seminary, but that should not be the norm. Nor, do I want to make seminary a requirement…although if I had to choose, I’d choose seminary.
Ministering to the people of God is far more important than who fixes my 4-Runner, and I take it to Toyota dealers for repairs. (But I have been seen at a Jiffy Lube for oil changes.) :)
RTJones said it quite well.
Brian,
Yeah, it’s sad really.
Yvette,
Very good points!
As some of us Pentecostals like to say:
“We don’t need no book learnin, we gots the annointment of the Holy Ghost!”
I don’t think that you need Seminary Training to be a Pastor, however it doesn’t hurt, and can only help.
I do think that if a Seminary education is not an option then the sending church should have a program in place that trains them, like a Bible Institute where they can at least can get a good understanding of the bible, learn doctrine, and develop some good study habits.
Plus with the internet, and the wide publications of books there is really no excuse not to have a decent theological education.
I am an Assistant Pastor, and do not have Seminary training. I have audited various classes through Biola’s Talbot Institute of the Bible, and I am very well read in areas of Theology. I completed our Ministry in Training program at our church which included various theology courses, discipleship, etc.
Also I am currently enrolled at an on-line bible college. I hope to finish my degree, but at this point in my life it’s more of a personal goal.
I love to read, and I am not trained in Greek or Hebrew so I am force to trust the work of Scholars, and have I deep appreciation for them. I have become more comfortable with Greek due to men like William Mounce, who I owe a great debt to him and his efforts.
Pentecostals also like to say:
“More is caught than taught” ;-)
Robert,
I wholly agree. Not everyone can go to seminary for whatever reasons, but there is no excuse for not receiving training of some sort. My pastor was not educated in a seminary but he has taken countless correspondance courses. My problem is the attitude that some people have against proper Biblical training. I think a man and his Bible is the one of the most dangerous things there is, unless of course that man is equipped to interpret the Bible responsibly.
And us Pentecostals also like to say that “God has given us an unction for the function!” ;)
We are a rhyming people, :-P
Nick,
lol
Yeah, I know what you mean. It has been one of my life long passion to help educate men in our fellowship. I attend Praise Chapel Christian Fellowship, in Paramount California.
I recently started a Bible Institute at our Church, we are entering into our second year. That is another reason why I want to complete my degree.
Nick, you are a breath of fresh air! Praise God I found your blog.
Here’s another one:
“Can you feeeel the Spirit – she-como-shy”
Hallelujah! ee-kon-d’dah-bō-shah-ta :-P