A College Degree...

In the midst of several circumstance and critical analysis of my current education at an intstitute of higher learning, I have come to define a college degree diffrently than a year ago. As I am being educated at a Bible College in pursuit of the ministry, all comments will be pertaining to that sector of education. I am not yet sure how my thinking applies to secular institutions, as they are seemingly the model for Bible colleges but at the same time an adaptation from past institutions of advanced theological education.


As ministry is centered in the church, a college is not necessarily the only, the primary, or even the most intellectual aspect of training for ministry. The body of Christ is to do the equipping for ministry (Eph. 4:12), and the body of Christ is most accurately the local church. Since the foundation of the church parachurch organizations have been instituted to facilitate what a single church could not on its own. But the distinction of responsibilities, even between churches and the Bible Colleges they send their kids to, has been blurred. This is not to say the the collection of wise, well-studied, godly men set to communicate knowledge to the next generation is wrong. It is just not the whole picture, though it may often be percieved and portrayed as such.


I do not think it wise to view my education as a certification to present to the body of Christ, saying " According to this institution, I am qualified to teach in your school or preach at your pulpit." I should view this education as a supplement to what I learn by being a part of the Body of Christ and serving in my local church, not the other way around. I should pursue that education to the degree that it facilitates and encourages the training of the local assembly, but the moment it is a goal itself, I have sought something outside God's design.