Benefits of Furthering Your Education
I’m writing to you for two reasons: (1) to convince you to further your education and (2) to outline the greatest benefits (in my estimation) of furthering your education. In God’s providence, we are blessed to have many fine theological institutions to help shape our craft and raise up theologically competent under-shepherds. From Bible College to an M.Div. to a Ph.D., you will find these benefits when you continue to journey towards a greater understanding of God’s Word in a seminary setting:
1) Engaging with Other Theologically Minded Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Almost everyone in the seminary setting is there for one goal: to better know the Word of God. In my experience, these courses live out 1 Thessalonians 5:11— “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Your professors will pour their years of diligent study into you during your class time. You will learn theological truth, but more importantly, you’ll learn their heart for the Gospel. Your fellow students are also great joys. I have made life-long friends in seminary, from Bible School to Doctoral Studies. You will find these people are a blessing to have by your side. They will sharpen you as iron sharpens iron, as Proverbs 27:17 describes. The camaraderie between each person in a theological institution is worth the price of admission. I personally love the depth of theological discourse one can have in a seminary setting which is seldom satisfied within the local church.
2) Exemplifying for your Congregation what Serious Study of the Word Looks Like
My five-year-old boy will watch what I do and try to mimic it. If I work on my motorcycle, he wants to be right there next to me fiddling with his bicycle. He desires to learn from what I do. Paul describes himself to the Church in Corinth as their spiritual father, and thus they should imitate him (1 Cor 4:16). Your church learns in the same way. They see what you do and mimic it. Most people in your congregation need to be taught how to study well. But first, pastors should know how to study well. A seminary education teaches you how to deeply delve into Scripture. You will learn the original languages, proper hermeneutics, and basic theology. The sheep under your watchful eye are learning from you how to study Scripture. They will see the dedication you have to the Word of God and realize its significance. Teach them to study Scripture by first learning it deeper yourself. Say to your church members, as Paul did in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Set the example and see your members flourish in their personal studying.
3) Employing Available Resources in Ways Impossible for Previous Generations
We live in a time of immense privilege. For you, my friend, have been blessed to have access to the writings of great minds of the past. Their millions of words can guide you to understand the infinitude of God’s character. You can try to learn all of this on your own, but there is simply too much to read every worthwhile word. A profitable way to learn is to talk to the professors and students who have a like passion for the things of God. There, in that nurturing environment, you may benefit from the knowledge of scores of Christians before you. Never before could pastors and leaders learn from so many great theological minds. More than that, you can learn in these environments in a way that has never been possible until recent years—online. Yes, there are dangers regarding the internet, but there are also blessings. We should see these blessings as a gift from God. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” The internet is far from perfect, but I believe God has providentially given us technological gifts which can be leveraged for the benefit of God’s people. The blessing of the internet is being able to attain a theological degree from the comfort of your own home. More than that, vast theological libraries are now at your fingertips. Absolutely amazing; we are truly blessed to have such technological advancements.
My personal journey in my studies has been incredibly awarding. Yes, at the end you get the diploma and have a celebration. That diploma can open the door to a plethora of opportunities. But the best part is meeting amazing people, reading delightful books, and learning from the wisdom of so many scholars. I urge you, friends, please consider furthering your theological education. Never stop learning. And you will see how it is a blessing for your ministry.
Jamie Trascritti
Lead Pastor, First Baptist Church of Newtown