THE PASTOR AND HIS EDUCATIONAL CAREER

THE PASTOR AND HIS EDUCATIONAL CAREER
A Lecture Delivered at Ayo Oluwa Baptist Association Pastors’ Fellowship Meeting at Surulere Baptist Church, Awe, February 28, 2008
- Rev. Simon A. Kolawole, Ph.D


INTRODUCTION
Thanks be to God for sustaining us thus far in the year. I commend you for your efforts in your respective churches. No matter the external situation where you are, be reminded that you occupy strategic positions and are very important for Kingdom work. May the Lord empower you continually for your respective ministries. I appreciate the invitation to deliver this lecture, “The Pastor and His Educational Career,” whose purpose is to increase our awareness of our educational development as Pastors.

THE PASTOR AND EDUCATION
As a denomination, we believe in trained ministry, whereby we emphasize training for those who will be ministers. While not disregarding the gifts of the Holy Spirit for ministry, our conviction is that training will make a minister more effective as an instrument in the hands of the Holy Spirit. The following can be identified as providing the rationale for emphasizing education for ministers.

1. Education Enhances the Pastor’s Ministry
Education improves the Pastor’s ministry as it impacts positively on him and his skills. Consequently, education enhances the Pastor’s competence and effectiveness thus making him more result-oriented.

2. Education Helps the Pastor Face Ministerial Challenges
Even the basic ministerial education is a training programme designed to equip, prepare the minister for the challenges in the church. At higher levels, education can help a minister to meet certain ministerial challenges. Indeed, the growing sophistication of the society in which the Pastor ministers and the increased educational development of members can be a basis for higher education for the Pastor (cf. Jesus and the Apostles, Matt. 4:19).

3. Education Is A Mark of Personal Development
Education is a means of personal development as it broadens one’s horizon. Due to the dynamics of earning a degree, education enhances the development of the human person, most especially intellectual development.

4. Education Is An Index of Fulfillment
Education brings fulfillment because of what it involves and what it helps one to achieve. Education is a mark of achievement as it reflects, among other qualities, patience, hard work, sense of purpose and desire to make contributions. No wonder the Bible says, “knowledge puffs up” (I Cor. 8:1).

5. Education Increases the Pastor’s Usefulness
Education makes one a “skilled” worker and thus increases one’s usefulness. In other words, education enlarges one’s possibility of making contributions. This is especially true of higher education as it leads to greater specialization making one to be looked up to or regarded as an expert. With reference to the Nigerian Baptist Convention, educational qualification is a factor for some offices. The presupposition is that one who is more educated will be better qualified, all things being equal (Re: Moses, Acts 7:22; Paul, Acts 22:3).

THE PASTOR AND HIS EDUCATIONAL CAREER
Certain factors should be borne in mind with reference to the Pastor’s educational career. Five of these are discussed below

1. Planning
Due to the investment involved, education, especially at higher levels, requires planning. Ideally, adequate preparation should be made before one embarks on an educational programme (Re: The idea of Blueprint).

2. Interest and Information
The individual’s academic interest is important in educational career. Similarly, adequate information is necessary. The issue of “secular” and theological degrees is pertinent here.

3. Family
Family needs must be kept in focus as one seeks additional knowledge, especially when there are young children in the family. Whereas family members will make sacrifices, getting education should not be used as an excuse to “abandon” one’s family. Family consideration can influence the programme and the place of study.

4. Ministry
Also, the Pastor’s ministry is another factor for consideration in his educational career. The Pastor must be ready to make sacrifices and should make adequate arrangements for services he would unavoidably miss. Furthermore, sufficient time should be given before starting a programme of study when one gets to a church or before continuing another one.

5. Denominational Needs
Sometimes, the needs of the denomination may be the motivation for a Pastor to seek higher education. This reflects having a “global” perspective and the understanding that ultimately our gifts and training are meant to bless God’s people, the Church.

CONCLUSION
Each Pastor needs education that will sustain him through his ministerial career and/or enable him to function in some additional capacities and denominational responsibilities. Nevertheless, education must not be seen as an end in itself or a substitute for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Thus a balance of academics and anointing is imperative for maximum usefulness in the ministry (Re: Motto - Academic excellence and spiritual maturity; cf. Duet 34:10-12; Acts 19:11-12).