I have been called: Is my call to Ministry as important as training for ministry? Should I be equipped before I begin to serve as a Minister?

Answer: The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:11-12 that when a man fills the office of evangelist, pastor and teacher, his calling is actually a gift from God for the work of the church. The purpose of these gifts is to equip the members of the church for a life of service to God. This, in essence, defines the connection between the gift given, the Church receiving, and the purpose of seminary training: preparation for service of those who aspire to the office of leadership in the work of the Lord. Paul instructed Timothy, and likewise us today, to prepare men for such leadership roles in the church: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2).

The purpose of this training and preparation is so that the ministry of the Word of God is not only maintained but more importantly, that it will flourish in the church. The very first indication that someone who aspires to the office of elder, bishop or pastor is being called by God to the task is desire. Paul tells us: "This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work" (1 Timothy 3:1 NKJV). When someone is persuaded that he is being called to the ministry of the Word, he should seek to explore his gifts and prepare himself to answer that call. This is one of the key reasons for the existence of seminaries and Christian universities and why seeking such an education may be consistent with his call. At the same time, while formal Bible education is very important and valuable, with the power and wisdom of the indwelling Holy Spirit, God can enable a man with no formal Bible education to be an excellent pastor or elder.

The Lord's calling for the work of the ministry is not only for the church; it is also through the church. Young men should be encouraged to seek such a call, as Paul tells Timothy (1 Timothy 3:1). But ideally, the final confirmation must be from the church which both trains and tests the gifts required for the ministry. Ministers of the Word are ambassadors of Christ, the Head of the Church. To preach the gospel and call the lost to salvation is to exercise the keys of the kingdom of heaven. This task is one that should not be done apart from the authority of Christ. It is a vital and key office of the church and the primary reason to obtain seminary training.

There are other reasons why training in a seminary is important. Without question, increasing one's education, especially at the graduate level, will add a whole new dimension in the overall fund of Bible knowledge. Because the Bible has one unified, coherent network of truth, an intense study of systematic theology is clearly called for, whether or not it takes place in a formal seminary setting. Again, the place of study is not nearly as important as the Teacher—the Spirit of God who infuses the student with not only knowledge, but power and wisdom.

Bible training is valuable in the matter of maturity in several areas. Three or more years of practical bible education beyond and above your secular education will greatly improve your social maturity and ability to understand and relate to people and their needs. Also there is a mental maturation necessary for today's preacher that simply is not present anywhere else then at the feet of Jesus Christ. This includes his attitude towards the ministry, his family, and life in general. Effective Bible training will do wonders

for one's decision-making apparatus, the ability to discern the will of God through the Scriptures as applied to any given situation.

Another reason for solid bible training is the complex issues facing today's minister. He must know when to say yes and when to say no to the many calls and invitations to join hands in common causes of all sorts. Knowledgeable convictions in these areas are necessary if truth is to be maintained and, although these convictions can arise outside of it, a good seminary education certainly helps to establish strong convictions.

A thorough education within that church and distinctive assignment is paramount, if one is to be effective is discharging one duties as a minister of Jesus Christ. The bottom line in making a decision to attend a Bible training school is simply this: don't sell yourself and your ministry short with a truncated preparation. Study carefully the principles and implication of the wisdom found in Proverbs 24:27: "Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house"