Education for Ministry through Learning and Experience
Meditation on Proverbs 2:1-8
An influential, bi-vocational minister/elder heard my struggle whether I should pursue a seminary track in my ministry training. I will never forget his answer:
“... In the day and age in which you will be pastoring you will need all the education possible. It is important that you learn all that you can about the Gospel and related topics to meet these changing times. I wish I had gone to college and seminary.”
The words of this Church of the Brethren pastor with limited ministry education shocked me! While being faithful in his own calling he recognized the importance of addressing the contemporary needs of society with the most effective understandings of the Bible, theology, and practical training.
His words were similar to those of the great 20
th
century theologian, Karl Barth, who is reported to have told a class of students,“When you go into the pulpit, have the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.”
Both were saying that a minister should learn how to relate the words of the scripture to the times in which he/she lives.
The writer of Proverbs was saying basically the same thing in this month’s devotional. The advice of Proverbs 2:1-8 is like a parent/teacher to the hearer/student. Much of this acrostic poem centers around two letters of the Hebrew alphabet meaning “
if
” and “
then
.”
- If you accept and treasure God’s word;
- If you listen to wisdom and incline your heart to understanding;
- If you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding;
- If you seek wisdom like silver and search for it like treasure;
- Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (vss. 2-5)
The intent of this Proverb is to confidently express that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding come from God. (vs. 6)
For twenty-five years SVMC has provided education for ministry through studying the scriptures, historical and theological exploration, preaching, and pastoral care. Excellent life-long learning on current issues is al
so a significant part of this learning process.
The purpose of an SVMC education is to provide deeper communication with the God of light and love while enriching one’s understanding of the Gospel as students walk through meaningful and challenging times.
Warren Eshbach is a retired Church of the Brethren minister having served as pastor, Southern PA District Executive, and Dean of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.
