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I’ve been noting recently the ever-increasing number of part-time schemes for training for pastoral work and preaching. I have no objection at all to such schemes in principle and know that some do excellent work. However I do believe there is a danger of overlooking and underplaying the value of a full-time college course. Here are seven points which I believe are important.
1. Call and commitment. To go to a college represents a commitment to serve God and a belief that one’s ‘career’ – if that is the right word – is his service. People who are serious about becoming teachers or doctors and many other professions make sure they get proper training and do not think they can get by with part-time courses.
2. Biblical languages. I learnt too late the great importance of gaining at least a working knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. These are much more easily attained in a college course.
3. Learning together. Most part-time courses have weeks when students come together to learn, discuss and ask questions. These are rightly valued; whole terms together are much more valuable.
4. Living together. There is much to be said for the discipline of living together; you learn much more about how other people tick and find you have to adapt and make allowances. I’m not even sure that single study/bedrooms are the best. Communal living knocks off many rough edges. It is even more beneficial if people of different backgrounds and nationalities are thrown together.
5. A college gives the opportunity for study within the context of corporate worship; it also gives more opportunity for personal devotions than a part-time course which means there is a full-time job in the background.
6. In a college you are likely to have at least some lecturers living on the premises or certainly spending their days on the campus. They serve as examples as well as teachers.
7. College involves the whole of life; it includes leisure activities and probably sports as well. These have to be integrated into a lifestyle directed towards the whole-time service of God in fellowship with other students. This is not always easy, but it is of great value and importance for future ministry.
1. Call and commitment. To go to a college represents a commitment to serve God and a belief that one’s ‘career’ – if that is the right word – is his service. People who are serious about becoming teachers or doctors and many other professions make sure they get proper training and do not think they can get by with part-time courses.
2. Biblical languages. I learnt too late the great importance of gaining at least a working knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. These are much more easily attained in a college course.
3. Learning together. Most part-time courses have weeks when students come together to learn, discuss and ask questions. These are rightly valued; whole terms together are much more valuable.
4. Living together. There is much to be said for the discipline of living together; you learn much more about how other people tick and find you have to adapt and make allowances. I’m not even sure that single study/bedrooms are the best. Communal living knocks off many rough edges. It is even more beneficial if people of different backgrounds and nationalities are thrown together.
5. A college gives the opportunity for study within the context of corporate worship; it also gives more opportunity for personal devotions than a part-time course which means there is a full-time job in the background.
6. In a college you are likely to have at least some lecturers living on the premises or certainly spending their days on the campus. They serve as examples as well as teachers.
7. College involves the whole of life; it includes leisure activities and probably sports as well. These have to be integrated into a lifestyle directed towards the whole-time service of God in fellowship with other students. This is not always easy, but it is of great value and importance for future ministry.
