I was once a young and zealous seminary student. Every class I took was considered through the lense of “How can this help me on the streets.” I experienced the significant dissonance between academic approaches to the Bible, church history, doctrine, apologetics, etc. My initial response was, “Who needs this?”
This knee-jerk response was
unhelpful in two ways. First, the mind does need to be trained, even in areas one
considers unimportant at the time. Second, if evangelistically-minded students
shun higher academia as unnecessary or unimportant, then they will not
funnel-up to replenish the ranks of Bible commentators, church historians, and theologians
who train up future generations of students.
I once complained to my father
about having to take Greek in seminary. He responded to me somewhat
sarcastically, “Then why not go to this other school instead!”
At the time, I did not
understand the importance of the study of biblical Greek. It did not cross my
mind the depth of the Word of God that can never be fully translated into the
English language. My feeling at the time was, “We have the Great Commission.
What are we waiting for?”
Now, more than 30 years after
having received a Master of Divinity, I view things very differently. For
example, consider the power and impact of Moses’ polytheistic education in
Egypt:
“And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.” Acts 7:22.
Here are some thoughts that may
benefit the current seminary student who has an evangelistic heart.
First, keep and nurture an evangelistic
heart. Do not let your passion die. Plan into your schedule weekly times of
initiative evangelism. A heart for the lost can easily become static or
stagnant. Plan weekly opportunities for eye-to-eye contact with lost people for
the purpose of sharing the gospel.
Second, do not underestimate the
importance and power of a deep knowledge of the biblical languages. Without a
knowledge of the biblical text, verses that encourage evangelism or clearly
affirm the gospel can be changed without your knowing it. For example, evangelistically
important verses are often the first to be altered in Bible translations.
When Jesus sent out His
disciples in evangelism, He told them to be careful:
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16.
We may too easily be “gentle as
doves” without first being “wise as serpents.” In order to remain vigilant for biblical
evangelism, depth of education is crucial.
Third, consider that evangelism
and evangelists are often framed out of many topics of study. Whether these
omissions are purposeful or unintentional, I will let the reader decide. In
order to maintain a Great Commission approach in every subject, the student
will need to intentionally seek it out and sometimes reinject it into the
topic—if it is difficult to ascertain. This last step must be done with
humility and gentleness, just as Jesus stated, in one’s own private study of
the topic at hand.
As to evangelism and evangelists
in church history, in the study of doctrine, and in ecclesiology. The Great
Commission is always there—if Christ is truly Lord of His church. The words of
Christ have always been obeyed by some in every generation!
Lastly,
don’t give up on the Christian higher education that a seminary provides. The
topics taught in seminary are crucial and valid. Especially fall in love with
the biblical languages and with every word in the Bible. Become a servant of
the Word of God—allow the words of the Word to rule over you. If you do that,
then everything else will fall into its proper place, including proper
obedience to Christ’s Great Commission.