Uneducated men

There is one interesting comparison I have found when observing the modern Western churches with those of the First Century. College and seminary degrees are much more important today than they were in the First Century. The apostle Paul, a highly educated man in his time, used his education to a great advantage in the Gospel. However, Jesus and His apostles got on quite well without this advantage. (John 7:15, Acts 4:13).

This is not to say that there was no preparation or no requirements for the work they were called to do. Jesus had been in training His entire life. After a life of submission to Joseph and Mary and listening to His Heavenly Father (John 7:16), He was anointed by the Holy Spirit, tested in the wilderness and sent forth with everything He needed to accomplish His mission. (Matthew 3:16-4:17). The 12 apostles underwent several years of rigorous ministry on the road with Jesus throughout His trials and triumphs. Not only that, but from Him they received the keys to understanding the scriptures by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit! (Luke 24:45). Later when the religious leaders saw the boldness of His apostles, they realized that they had spent time with Jesus! What an education! (Acts 4:13)

Other leaders in the the Early Church submitted to certain requirements for leadership. These requirements centered less on the amount of education they possessed. More important was the quality of their character. (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9).

Even today, in certain parts of the world, believers are finding that they need not be burdened by years of studying under the influence of intellectuals. They are spending time with Jesus and learning from Him. Then they are passing down what they have learned to others that are touched by God. (2 Timothy 2:2). But we are not talking about fulfilling the roles of pastor or church leader as they are understood normally today. This role does require courses in history, psychology, politics, sociology,  Greek, Latin, Hebrew and church governance. By the way, where is this role, this job description of the modern day church pastor or leader even found in the New Testament?

While I am not saying that educated men and women do not have value or are not important today, I am questioning whether they are as important as we have made them. In view of the problems and complexity inherent in the system of educating and placing them over God’s people, I think it is reasonable to ask these questions.

A college degree does usually indicate a level of effort, dedication and hard work that a person was willing to put forth. That can tell something about a person’s character. If that is what God is calling you to do, by all means pursue it. This is my hope for all of us, that we hear His Voice and follow Him.