There is a dominating, yet troubling opinion among many in ministry today: a Christian education qualifies you for ministry. In contrast, this same group would argue that the absence of a Christian education would therefore deem a person unqualified for ministry. Quite frankly, I find this viewpoint flawed and damaging to the work of the church. Here's a few reasons why:
1. Was a religious education dominant among the Apostles? Maybe the answer is obvious, but for the sake of argument, indulge me. Scripture portrays Peter and John, two key players in the birth of the New Testament church in Jerusalem, as "ignorant and unlearned men" (Acts 4:13). Unless I'm mistaken, the only two New Testament writers we know to have had any formal training were Luke (I'm assuming a physician, even in the 1st century, had some sort of advanced study requirements) and the apostle Paul.
2. Wasn't Paul the receipient of a religious education? Absolutely. The apostle Paul was arguably the most educated of all the New Testament writers. By his own admission, he had received the best education from the best teacher, "at the feet of Gamaliel and educated according to the strict view of our patriarchal law." (Acts 22:3) Yet Paul saw his ancestry as a circumcised Hebrew, and his entire life's accomplishments - membership in the Pharisee Club, scrict law-keeper, and best religious education as...essential? Vitally important? Of marginal value? Not even close.
"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith." Philippians 3:7-9 (NIV)
He continues his approach of dependency on Christ alone, intentionally suppressing his religious education, for fear it be a distraction to the cause of the gospel with the church at Corinth:
"When I came to you, brothers, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. For I didn’t think it was a good idea to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit, so that your faith might not be based on men’s wisdom but on God’s power."
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (HCSB)
3. The priesthood of all believers must be defended. As Baptists, we claim to believe in this foundational doctrine. According to the SBC's Position Statement on the subject: "Laypersons have the same right as ordained ministers to communicate with God, interpret Scripture, and minister in Christ's name." The idea that only the educated elite can adequately engage in ministry would make Martin Luther role over in his grave. Maybe we need to re-nail his Theses to the door of the Church! Luther, the great reformer, rightly argued for the priesthood of all believers, challenging the Catholic idea that life as a monk or nun was a special, holy calling, and therefore superior to the life of an average citizen.
Precious blood has been shed by martyred saints to overthrow the concept of spiritual superiority. Men and women were burned alive, beaten, skinned, torn into, beheaded...all the while standing in righteous resolve against the idea of an elite, educated few acting as the Gatekeepers of Grace.
I am a strong proponent of a religious education. I wouldn't be enrolled as a student otherwise. I think Williams Baptist College employs some of the finest educators in the nation. Some of my dearest friends and fellow servants of Christ have received doctorates in the field of religion, and yet recognize their calling and qualification for ministry comes not from a diploma on the wall, but from the equipping of the Holy Spirit. I also know many men and women who have served God faithfully, impacting the Kingdom of God in a profound way, without the benefit of formal religious training. Heaven will be filled with those who accepted the Good News of redemption through the message of ordinary men and women with no religious education, yet fully equipped to carry forth the message of the Cross.
Remember, God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. Jesus Himself left the enormous task of the Great Commission in the hands of untrained commoners. Do we dare to attempt to subvert His plan?
May the Church unleash the ordinary to do the extraordinary work Christ intended.
