Some time ago on social media, I compared a doctor’s or engineer’s training with the training we provide for future pastors. We rightly expect a high level of training for medical and engineering professionals. We do not always seem to expect a similarly rigorous preparation for pastoral ministry.
Doctors look after our physical (and maybe mental) health. Engineers make sure that the bridges we cross and the houses we live in do not collapse. This is extremely important, so we naturally insist on a demanding course of study for such people. What about pastors? They care for our immortal souls. Their ministry has eternal consequences. Why then are we seemingly content with a relatively low level of academic training to prepare them for this great task?
The Holy Spirit
My comment on social media met with a robust response from a fellow pastor. He said I was comparing apples with oranges. I had left the Holy Spirit out of the reckoning. Doctors and engineers need a high level of intellectual attainment for their professions. The pastor needs the Holy Spirit. So my comparison was unfair and my conclusions incorrect.
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