The Bottom Line
Whether in the classroom or on your own, I hope you are a student of God’s word. More than anything else, a good pastor will be built around a love for God’s people and for God’s word.
When a couple is about to divorce, a person is about to die, or you visit the parents of a child who just took his life, I promise you no one will be asking about your education. At those moments, the only thing that matters is that you are submitted to the Spirit of God.
All the classroom education in the world won’t prepare you for what you’ll see in ministry. I hope you’ll learn from other pastors, leaders, professors, and mentors. And I hope you’ll learn on the job as God corrects or confirms each step you take. That’s what I’m trying to do.
Praise God that He allows us to share His word and love.
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Amen….As a kid (still a child…of God), I always learned more on the “good field trips” then I did talking about the field trip in my seat the day before. Great Post
Agreed! In the times I have been in those postions I never did have anyone ask me about schooling but I had been asked about God. I did need to be walking in the Spirit. Thanks for the reminder!
This is a good reminder that seminary work is academic. Real life is not. The academics can prepare you to know what to say, but only the Holy Spirit can direct your words and give them effect.
I love Ezra 7:10 (msg), “Ezra had committed himself to studying the Revelation of God, to living it, and to teaching Israel to live its truths and ways.”
- no matter which direction you choose for your training/discipleship, it will require commitment. And, this commitment is not simply for you but for all of those who will come after you.
Anything living is growing… I love to learn - and, ironically, the older I get the more I realize I DON’T KNOW.
Enjoyed this week Craig - thanks!
Great stuff, Craig. You’re absolutely right, and that is something we constantly need to be reminded of.
Dan, (comment 4) I love your comment as well. Academics are important, but they are no substitute for a connection with the Spirit of God.
Thanks, Craig, for a very sensitive post. I know you recognize that it is not only your submission to the Spirit, but also your knowledge of God and His Word that allows you to minister.
Potent truth… I like it!
Since my wife has worked for LifeChurch, I’ve gotten a new appreciation for our pastors. The stories of passing children and failed marriages breaks my heart. Many would think a pastors job has to be the easiset thing ever. Get up a couple times on a weekend, speak and collect a paycheck. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many thanks to all you pastors that give your lives for your congregation.
As a LifeGroup leader, I’ve had a few moments myself. I had one of my group show up at my doorstep at 10:00 at night with bags packed. He wanted a divorce. My wife and I talked to him until 3:00 in the morning. After some deep prayer and a vow to help him through the tough times, he took his bags and went home. They are currently going to a counselor and we are sponsoring them through their difficulties.
Each of us as a member of the Body of Christ has gifts that are intended to be used to further the Body. Craig, I LOVE where you are taking the church and I can’t wait to see where it goes!
This is such a powerful and great reminder. By profession I am a teacher, but that does not define who I am. I am first and foremost a child of God and is reflected in every area of my life. When a child is in need, they are not thinking about my Liberal Studies degree, but are in need of love, love that has been shown to me by God. This knowledge and understanding comes from spending time in God’s word and being His student.