Why Do So Many People Leave Seminaries With Less Faith in the Bible?

I think many people start off believing what is written in the Bible. However, they mistakenly believe also that if they study in a seminary they will become deeper rooted in the Bible and Christianity. Sadly, often the opposite is true.

In seminaries and Bible colleges they are taught by professors who often correct the Bible and teach them from various Bible versions. The word of God becomes diluted and polluted with humanism, modern psychology, and naturalism. One of the first things attacked is that God did not really mean six days, and it degrades from there. 

This happens repeatedly for 2, 4, 6, or 8 years until they leave the seminary quoting authors instead of the Bible. By the time they graduate, they have received a lot of information but have missed the deeper things of God—through faith we understand (Hebrews 11:1–3). 

Often their faith has been so undermined that when they assume positions in churches they proliferate the same teachings to their congregations (Acts 10:28–31). The members believe these teachings because, hey, the teacher came from a seminary. 

The church has fallen into the trap that to understand the Bible, one must leave the church and attend a seminary. The teachings of seminary professors cannot be monitored by the church. The church member is now under the teaching of a professor instead of a pastor-teacher. 

But the Lord has ordained the church as the means for education of His people. He did not ordain sending people from the church to learn theology elsewhere. Christians are supposed to learn their theology from the local body (Acts 2:42, Ephesians 4:11–15). Here the pastor-teacher is supposed to protect the flock from false doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). 

Sometimes learning takes years of sitting under church teaching. But in our weakness as humans, especially humans in modern western culture, we seek shortcuts to what is supposed to take time and maturation (cf. 2 Peter 3:18). This is one of the concepts behind the term “elder,” in the Bible, and the idea behind a bishop not being a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6).

Some people reading this may agree that they learned some of the best lessons sitting under a God-fearing preacher who practiced Bible exposition in his messages. And I suppose there will be others who think they learned the most in Bible school.

But to answer the question more succinctly: People come out of seminaries with less faith then when they went in because we have failed to heed God's word. 

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By Jerry F. Smith

Image source: unsplash.com

What Does the Bible Say About Women Being Pastors?

The Lord tells us in His word how He wants His church governed. Yet there are those who question or outright defy God's will for HIS church. And it is His church, bought with His blood (Acts 20:28). 

As such, He has the right to give instructions about what He wants for the body of Christ (1 Timothy 3:5, 1 Corinthians 14:37). Unfortunately, there are some who wish to impose their opinions, preferences, or political correctness onto the church by rejecting the word of God.

One of the most hotly rejected New Testament mandates is the subject of women not being permitted to be pastors, ministers, or other spiritual leaders of the church. 

Before going into an outline of the biblical bases for women not being permitted to lead churches, the following represent a few of the arguments proponents use for it and brief responses. 

Some people argue from Old Testament examples.

They forget that those were Old Testament examples. They were also exceptions to the norm. But the New Testament has no such traditions. 

Some people focus on the New Testament example of Aquila and Priscilla.

People like to talk about Aquila and Priscilla instructing Apollos (Acts 18:26). However, they forget that it was done privately and Aquila (a man) was also a part of it. 

In addition, there were no female apostles. They were men (e.g. Acts 1:21-23). No apostle was a woman.

Some argue about the culture of the New Testament times. 

Those who reject the word of God say these commands were cultural and that it is different now. However, they forget that these commands were given to the church. 

The commands to the church are extra-cultural. Paul did not qualify his remarks as being cultural. When people say that, they are attempting to twist word of God to suit their personal preferences. 

So is the word of God simply relative for all of us, can we attribute everything we do not like about the New Testament to "the culture of that day"? Can we just pick and choose what we will accept? If so, we make the word of God of no effect.

The word of God clearly states and clarifies with argument that women are subordinate to the authority of the man in the church (1 Timothy 2:11), that women are not to usurp authority of men in the church (1 Timothy 2:12), and that a man is to be a pastor (or bishop; 1 Timothy 3:1-2), i.e. lead the church. Those who teach otherwise are in disagreement with God's plainly revealed will for His church.

Outline

The following is an outline that provides scriptural bases for restricting women from the role of pastors or other spiritual leader of the Christian church. 

The assumption is that one would take the time to read the passages as they are written, clearly and plainly, and consider the point raised. The outline is based on Paul's own arguments for this restriction as written in the epistles. 

The conclusions tie it all together. If one approaches the word of God without preconceived notions, letting the word of God speak for itself, the points are valid as the will of God for the governance of His church. 

The Facts

1. Man and woman made equal in humanity (Genesis 1:26-27, Galatians 3:28).

2. Man and woman were made equal in humanity but not in order (Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 11:8-9, 1 Timothy 2:13).

3. Man was given headship over the woman.

A. God gave the command to Adam (Genesis 2:16-17).

B. Woman made from Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21-22).

C. Woman was made a help meet for man (Genesis 2:18,20). 

D. Woman was made for the man (1 Corinthians 11:9). 

E. Adam called her woman (i.e. Adam named her, Genesis 2:23; cf. Genesis 2:19).

F. God called for Adam in the Garden not Eve (Genesis 3:9).

G. God held Adam responsible for Eve’s action (Genesis 3:17, Romans 5:12).

i. However, Eve was held personally accountable (Genesis 3:16).

ii. Nevertheless, Adam failed to lead Eve in this matter.

a. A consequence of the fall: man would rule over the woman (cf. rule over, exercise lordship over, exercise authority over, Mark 10:42; Genesis 3:16; these appear to be more decrees or judgments, than curses.) That is, there would be conflict in the now fallen union (Ryrie 1994). But the fallen union can be restored in Christ by observing Ephesians 5:22, 25; cf. Mark 10:43-45).

H. In Christ, the man is the head of the wife (Ephesians 5:23).

4. The woman was deceived, not the man (Genesis 3:1-4, 1 Timothy 2:14).

5. The woman is called the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7).

A. Eve was beguiled by the serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3).

B. Why did the serpent go to the woman and not the man (Genesis 3:1-5)?

C. Carried away by teachings (i.e. changeable minds, prone to accept new teaching, swayed by impulses [Ryrie 1994], 2 Timothy 3:6-7).

The Church

1. Women in the church (prescriptive not descriptive, cf. 1 Corinthians 14:37).

A. Commanded to be silent (i.e. hold their peace, 1 Corinthians 14:34; i.e. be still and quiet, 1 Timothy 2:11-12).

i. A possible reference to prophesying or questioning (i.e. challenging) male speakers in 1 Corinthians 14:34, but it is clear in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 that women are to be silent in the church. Paul would not contradict himself.

B. Women are not permitted to speak (i.e. preach, rant, prolonged discourse; 1 Corinthians 14:34).

C. Women are not to teach men (1 Timothy 2:12).

i. Supported by order (Adam first, 1 Timothy 2:13; Ryrie 1994).

ii. Supported by transgression (Eve deceived, 1 Timothy 2:14; Ryrie 1994).

D. Women are not to usurp authority over a man (i.e. take authority from man, 1 Timothy 2:12).

i. Eve usurped Adam’s headship in Genesis 3:6 when she made the choice to eat the fruit instead of yielding to Adam’s authority and bringing it to his attention.

ii. Commanded to yield (submit) to the authority of her husband (1 Peter 3:1; See also: Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 11:8-9, Genesis 2:18).

a. Implies disobedient, less mature, or even unsaved husbands (cf. 1 Peter 3:1).

b. By implication the minister of the word (cf. not to question the teacher, 1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

c. Should also be understood in the context of being obedient and submissive to pastors (cf. Hebrews 13:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 5:17)

d. Men should practice Ephesians 5:1-21 and 25-33 to avoid ruling over their wives (Genesis 3:16) and ease the burden for the woman.

F. Women may teach younger women (Titus 2:3-5).

i. May include male children up to a certain age (puberty).

ii. May teach men outside of the church (in the presence of her husband, cf. Acts 18:26).

G. Women are commanded to focus on the home and developing one another (Titus 2:3-5, cf. Proverbs 31:27).

Conclusions

1. Men should be encouraged to lead (in the church and at home).

2. Men should be given opportunities to lead (in the church and at home).

3. Men should be trained to lead in all areas (in the church and at home).

4. Men should govern their wives to maintain order in the church (1 Corinthians 14:40).

5. Women in the church are not to teach men, question (publicly challenge) teachers; nor given authority over men.

6. Women ought to encourage the man in his leadership role (cf. Ephesians 5:33).

7. Women should yield opportunities for the man to lead (cf. Ephesians 5:22).

8. Women should learn to submit to the leadership of their own husbands to maintain order in the church (1 Corinthians 14:40).

9. Women are to focus on the home and on developing one another.

Final Thoughts

Women are not second-class citizens in the kingdom of God. To the contrary, God says there is neither male nor female in Christ (Galatians 3:28). But that does not negate the order of creation nor His mandate for the governance of His church. 

Women can counsel others from the Bible, they can teach the Bible, and even speak to men about the truth of God's word, but these things are to be done in the proper context (i.e. informal settings, in homes, in social gatherings, in designated women's or children's classes within the church). 

However, the Bible is clear: when the church gathers, women are not to lead. They are to yield to the will of God, yield to the authority of the man, and humbly encourage men to be the leaders God made them to be. That means they must remain silent at times. 

Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: Photo by Diane Helentjaris on Unsplash

Do Pastors Need Charisma or Public Speaking Skills to Preach?

Does a preacher needs charisma or public speaking techniques to deliver a message from the word? 

The answer is no on both counts.

In the list of qualifications for a pastor, no requirement is given to be charismatic or a skilled orator. But we do read that he should be disposed to teaching (1 Timothy 3:2). We also read how Peter gave a powerful message from the scriptures after the Holy Spirit came upon him on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, and three thousand souls listened and believed (Acts 2:41), with no mention of his skill, only that he preached the word. 

Paul prayed for boldness to speak the word in Ephesians 6:19 not charisma, not a good joke, not public speaking skills. In fact, Paul spoke with frankness (2 Corinthians 3:12) and spoke only what the Lord would have him speak (i.e. the word of God); not with man’s wisdom, but with God’s (1 Corinthians 2:4,13). Another example comes from Acts 4:31 where the disciples received boldness to speak the word after praying and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Jokes or anecdotes can lighten things up, get the attention of the congregation, and may enhance learning. The Lord seems to have used humor at times in His messages (cf. Matthew 7:5); Paul evinces humor in 1 Corinthians 12:21 for example, and we read a humorous account in Acts 20:9–12. However, there do not appear to be cases where believers actively sought charisma or public speaking skills—they sought boldness to speak the word.

Can a preacher use charisma and utilize public speaking skills when the word of God is at the heart of the message? 

The answer is yes, but he should not rely on or prioritize them above the word of God.

In terms of relying on our own skills, the Bible reminds us that how people respond to a message is in God’s hands: i.e. it is God who gives understanding (Proverbs 2:6); God who shines light into our minds (2 Corinthians 4:6); it is not by the physical but by the Spirit of God that we build (Zechariah 4:6); God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8); that the flesh profits nothing (John 6:63); that we should not put our confidence in man (Psalm 118:9); that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 3:19), and the philosophy of this world is ineffective in the spiritual world (Colossians 2:8). We can learn from these verses that even the most charismatic individuals or the greatest of speakers have no effect without God.

In terms of having the word of God as the core of any message, the Bible reminds us that believers are born of the word of God (1 Peter 1:23, James 1:18); Christian faith is built up from the word of God (Romans 10:17), and Christ called the word of God truth (John 17:17). Therefore, any message given in church should be on what the Lord has to say.

Humanly speaking, being pleasant and sounding appealing could not hurt because people have limited attention spans (e.g. Acts 20:9–12). Being affable and speaking clearly just seem practical when speaking to an audience. For them, it would be difficult to sit and listen to someone who was unpleasant or unclear. And Paul told Timothy to make full proof of his ministry in 2 Timothy 4:5.

For those reasons, a pastor should be concerned with how to present his message. If the Lord reveals to a pastor that his personality could use some development or that his speaking skills could use some polish, why should he not prayerfully ask God to help him improve or pursue a course in homiletics? However, we must remember that any response to the message is in God’s hands.

Conclusion

A pastor, or anyone who preaches the Gospel or teaches the word is not required to be charismatic or a polished public speaker. We do not readily see examples where believers prayed for or actively sought such things in order to connect with their audiences.

In the end, some will believe, and some will not (Acts 17:32–34, Acts 28:24), not because of charisma or speaking talent, but because it is God’s work. Therefore, a pastor does not need to rely on his charisma or skills, but he can develop them as God reveals the need, while keeping focus on the word of God in his messages.

Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: YouTube screenshot video found on sanderson1611 page

God Demands Just Leaders

God demands that leaders remove violence and theft; to judge between evil and good, to execute justice, to ensure that fairness prevails: 

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord GOD. [10] Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath (Ezekiel 45:9-10).

Since we are all made in the image of God, it is natural that we seek the same. This is why the heart cries out to leadership regarding injustices. 

Whether in the workplace, in politics, in organizations, in the church, in the family, or other, members seek justice. They cry out for it. 

When leaders fail to execute judgment and justice the morale of an entire group of people is damaged. When will leaders understand this? 

Sadly, increasingly more common are leaders who do not hear, do not care to hear, and or fail to execute righteousness on behalf of the people they lead.

Remember this however, that if you are a leader, you were appointed by God to be a terror to evil works (Romans 13:1-6), meaning that you are supposed to make right judgments and implement right solutions that favor righteousness. 

If you are not, you bear the sword in vain and are failing to do what God has appointed you to do. You will have to answer to God for that. 

Therefore, please examine yourselves because one day there may be much blood on your hands when you stand before Him.

By Jerry Smith 

Feature image: https://www.freeimages.com/photographer/hbrinkman-61434