Preachers need REAL classroom training as well as OJT

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

ANSWER NUMBER SIX: Preachers need REAL classroom training as well as OJT (On the Job Training) in order to be effective ministers. Unqualified preachers are killing churches!

In too many of our churches (I am talking to Black folks) we have the ancient slave mentality that says, “I don’t need to go to school to be a preacher, I got the anointing!” Well during the days of slavery and Jim Crow we didn’t have an opportunity to go to Seminary or Bible Colleges. My grandfather was a deacon and his brother was a pastor back in the days when folks only got a grade school education and had to quit because they had to help pick tobacco. My forefathers made due the best they could under harsh circumstances. Now there is NO excuse for a preacher not getting formal training! You may not be able to afford Harvard or Princeton Theological Seminary, but every denomination should have a local Bible school. Most churches today have their own Bible Institutes or Schools. When you accepted the call to preach you also accepted the call to discipleship (training). Jesus spent 3 years training His disciples for ministry. He taught them how to pray, how to cast out devils, how to lay hands on the sick, how to carry themselves, and how to make more disciples. I am disgusted at how easy it is to be ordained in our churches. Just because a brother or sister can testify loud or run their mouth doesn’t mean they are called to preach! If they are called they will be willing to be trained BEFORE being given a piece of paper ordaining them. Remember this, if the preacher is ignorant and unlearned, then the people will be too! The gospel preacher must devote his (or her) life to purity of doctrine. Paul warned Timothy to avoid fables and old wives tales. It’s very easy for preachers to get involved in the “flavor of the month” teachings.

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

I am SOOOOO tired of the anti-education rhetoric that comes out of Black Pentecostal churches! I am pentecostal too! I believe in the Gifts of the Spirit for today, but also believe our ignorance of basic Bible doctrine and understanding scripture in it's proper context is KILLING our churches. we cannot effectively witness to Moslems, JW's, and Athiest because of our IGNORANCE! Paul was Spirit filled but his education WITH the anointing enabled him to reach MORE people than PETER the Chief Apostle....why? Paul had more knowlge than Peter, read Galatians...Peter had to bow to Paul's understanding of GRACE, Peter didn't argue either....he learned.

[Micah RaSun-Vann]

Pastor Bell and what chapter might I find verse 7 in 2 Cor? Is it not Chapter 4 (2 Cor 4). Precisely. Paul was speaking of the presence of the Holy Ghost in our earthly temples. Yet the minister made reference a teasure chest full of gifts. And the church said "Amen". So now we're back to the original statement. Preachers need real classroom training and OJT.

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

He gave Apostles, Evangelist, Prophets, Pastors, and TEACHERS...WHY? For the perfecting of the saints! I am not saying every Preacher should go to PRINCETON!!! I am saying every preacher needs TRAINING! Jesus trained His disciples 3 YEARS before they even got filled with the Holy Ghost!

[PASTOR CHARLES E BELL JR]

true REV luckett. MARK I UDERSTAND YOUR POINT NO DISAGREEING BUT LOOK AT THE WHOLE PICTURE ITS BUT STILL GOD HAVE THE LAST WORD

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

The Holy Ghost will make you open a book too!

[PASTOR CHARLES E BELL JR]

THE HOLY GHOST IS THE BEST TEACHER NOT HOLYGOST

[PASTOR CHARLES E BELL JR]

yes mark that true but GOD MADE A ASS TALK I SURE HE CAN USE AN UN ED PASTOR WHO HE CALL HE CAN USE . IT MIGHT BE WHAT THAT CHURCH NEED AT THAT SEASON. I AGREE IT INPORTANT FOR US TO ALWAYS BETTER OURSELF . I HAVE HEARED SO ED FOOL PREACH ALSO TAKE WORD OF THE LORD OUT OF CONT. CAUSE IT IS DANGER TO ADD OUR ED GUESSING TO GOD WORD AND I HAVE KNOW PASTOR WHO HAD 11 GRADE ED AND GED PREACH WITH CONVICTION AND PEOPLE WAS SAVE. IT GOD BUESS WHO HE USE AND HOW HE USE THEM . I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO CALL THERE SELF PREACHING /PASTORING AND CANT BACK IT UP WITH THE WORD SO ITS UP TO GOD TO GIVE US OUR QUATI. TO PASTOR NO T OUR ORWHA WE THINK CAUSE THEY DONT MATTER . JUST BECAUSE ONE CANT READ IS NOT A SIN PRAY FOR THEM AND HELP THEM OUT. SIS VAN THAT VERSE IS THE 7 TH AND IT REFER TO {IN MOSES DAY GOD PREESENCE DWELT IN A TENT} BUT IN OUR DAY HE DEWELL IN THE BELIVERS HEART} IT NOT YOUR LEVEL OF ED BUT YOUR PRAYER,FASTING,AND STUDY THE HOLYGOST IS THE BEST TEACHER

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

Sister I know some pastors that CANNOT read! That is a sin and a shame!

[Micah RaSun-Vann]

A good foundation in Hermeneutics would be helpful as well. I don't know how many messages I've sat through where misapplication of scripture just went over heads. I remember hearing once hearing the scripture quoted that "We have this treasure in earthen vessels" referring to the verse in 2 Cor 4 but the reference was being made to a treasure box with gifts in it. Not what Paul was referencing at all.

Then there is reference to Moses being the sole leader of the people, yet we're in a new dispensation, new church age and new instructions for the functioning of the Church (5 Fold Ministry). Without proper biblical education we take scriptures out of their context and feed the people dead quail.

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

I know churches where the pastor cannot even read well, how can you lead God's people when you cannot read the Word! The anointing PLUS education is a powerful combe...remember PAUL!?