A Philosophy Of Ministerial Education -- By: George J. Carlson

Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 01:1 (Mar 1958)
Article: A Philosophy Of Ministerial Education
Author: George J. Carlson


A Philosophy Of Ministerial Education

George J. Carlson

There is a real sweep to the subject, “A Philosophy of Ministerial Education. “The subject is pointed enough to reveal its interest; it is broad enough to allow the speaker to pin point the things he believes should be said for ministerial education.

A question is provoked, “What is the philosophy of ministerial Education?” The principles indulged will answer the question. I have thought, I have read, I have prayed—not to give authority to what I say, but for my own exercise of intellect, emotion and will. No amount of piety makes a thing right—by a like figure, no amount of intellect makes a thing right. Piety and intellect are not ends, but vehicles to principles of our thinking and the understanding of the revelation of the Word of God.

The Place Of Beginning For Our Philosophy—The Average Minister

For our philosophy we have a guiding revelation from the Word of God in two passages of Scripture. The first is: “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise man after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And the base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (I Cor. 1:26–31). The second is: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (II Timothy 2:2).

We believe from these words of revelation that the focus of the Gospel ministry is not upon the spectacular on the one hand nor the mediocre on the other hand, but to faithful men. Matthew Henry says, “Two things he (Timothy) must have an eye to in ordaining ministers;—their fidelity or integrity (‘Commit them to faithful men, who will sincerely aim at the glory of God, the honor of Christ, the welfare of souls, and the advancement of the kingdom of the Redeemer among men’), and also their ministerial ability. “

The focus is upon average men who are caught up unto Christ in this purpose, upon men loyal, men faithful; men of commitment of heart and soul to the call of Christ, men taken from the ranks of average men. These ranks of average men being legion in number,...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()