Every couple of months, I receive an email with a list of churches around the globe that are looking for pastors (lead pastors and associate pastors of various kinds). Some of these churches need a pastor who will continue the work of reformation or to revitalise an existing congregation. Some of the churches are large and some are quite small. Some are in difficult places in the world (e.g. Saudi Arabia) while others are in plush locations (e.g. Hawaii). The purpose of the email is to reach out to see if anyone knows of a pastor who might be interested in such a ministry. It is a good idea, generally. However, it can lead to temptation when a pastor is having a really, really, hard time. When pastors are discouraged, when they sense defeat if not despair, such a list can be tempting—especially the Hawaii option!
I once jokingly said to the pastor who publishes the list that he should not send it on a Monday! I must confess that, on a few occasions, I have scrolled the list wondering, “Hmmm?” But when I look at the qualifications, I become aware that in many cases I would not even be considered. Many churches are looking for pastors with advanced degrees such as an M.Div (Master of Divinity) or higher and therefore those without a seminary degree, like myself, need not apply.
It seems that, as theologian David Wells (a Zimbabwean raised in Bulawayo) put it years ago in his masterful book, No Place for Truth, the evangelical church (particularly in the West) has succumbed to what he calls, the “D.Min-isation of the Ministry.” What he means is the assumption that, if someone has a Seminary degree (“D.Min” as in “doctorate of ministry”), they are best suited for successful ministry. Wells, who for many decades taught in a seminary, laments this sad state of affairs. He understands that there is far more to pastoring than mere academic credentials.
In his book, Wells highlights several reasons why the wider church’s obsession with academic degrees is dangerous and can be wrong-headed. He points out that it is quite possible to know theology and yet not know God. The ability to communicate truth about God is not the same as having communion with God. Correct doctrine about God (which is vital!) does not always translate into devotion to God. One of Wells’ greatest concerns is that “professionalism” often ranks higher than pastoral concern and giftedness.
All of this to say that I agree with him. And more weightily, as I hope we will see on Sunday, so would the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 3:1–6). I suspect that David Wells came to his conviction via Paul!
Paul was able to commend his ministry to the Corinthians because of faithfulness to the word of God. Though he had quite an academic pedigree, his qualification for ministry was that he knew the power of the gospel personally and faithfully stewarded the gospel publicly. His refusal to adulterate the gospel—his faithfulness to proclaim the truth and nothing but the truth, so help him, God—resulted in a ministry of both integrity and impact to the glory of God. This is the kind of ministry I desire to have, which your elders want to have, and which each member should want to have. It is the kind of ministry I am praying that my successor will have; regardless of whether he has a seminary education.
Lest I be misunderstood, I am all for theological education, including rigorous seminary education. My prayer for my successor includes the plea that he will be better educationally equipped than I am. I hope he will have the blessing of being well equipped through great books and excellent teachers to skilfully use the rod and staff of God’s word to teach and lead the flock of BBC. But academic acumen must not be divorced from the Spirit-given ability to point sheep to Christ, travailing with spiritual birth pangs to see them conformed to Christ (Galatians 4:19). An advanced seminary degree would be a bonus, but it is not and it must not be a requirement. What is non-negotiable is a ministry that manifestly commends itself through the lives of those ministered to.
Brackenhurst Baptist Church, pray that your elders will be such ministers. And pray that, for generations to come, the Lord will continue to raise up shepherds from among us who know the Shepherd and who are able to lead the flock to know and love him, more and more. These are the kind of ministers we need.
Musing about ministry,
Doug