Knowing God vs. Knowing Theology
The church today needs men who are called and anointed by God rather than just those who have gone through seminary. While formal theological education has its benefits, it is not the ultimate qualification for effective ministry. The anointing and calling of God are what truly empower individuals to serve His purposes.
In the Bible, we see numerous examples of people whom God called and anointed for His work. David, for instance, was a shepherd boy when God chose him to be king over Israel. His calling came not from his background or education, but from God's sovereign choice (1 Samuel 16:7). Similarly, the apostles were ordinary men—fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots—whom Jesus called and equipped for the extraordinary task of spreading the gospel (Matthew 4:18-22).
God’s anointing is crucial because it brings His power and presence. Isaiah 61:1 says, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners." This verse highlights the transforming power of God's anointing, enabling the called to fulfill their mission.
The story of Peter and John in Acts 4:13 underscores this point beautifully. "Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus." The religious leaders were astonished by the boldness and wisdom of Peter and John, recognizing that their effectiveness came not from formal education but from their relationship with Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Knowing theology and knowing God’s Word are not synonymous. One can be well-versed in theological concepts yet miss the intimate relationship with God that comes through His Word and Spirit. It is through this relationship that true wisdom and understanding flow, enabling one to minister effectively.
This is not to say that seminary education is without value. It can be a helpful tool for deepening one's understanding of Scripture and honing ministry skills. However, it should not be seen as the primary or sole qualification for ministry. The true measure of a minister's effectiveness is their calling and anointing from God, evidenced by a life transformed by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The apostle Paul, a highly educated Pharisee, recognized the importance of God's calling over human qualifications. He said, "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ" (Philippians 3:7). Paul's transformation and effectiveness in ministry were due to his encounter with Christ and his subsequent anointing by the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:15-16).
Moreover, the reliance on formal education alone can sometimes lead to a reliance on human wisdom rather than on the Spirit of God. Paul warned against this when he wrote, "And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). The church needs leaders whose ministries are marked by the power and presence of God, not just by intellectual prowess.
In conclusion, the church today needs men who are called and anointed by God. These are the individuals who, regardless of their educational background, will be empowered to lead, teach, and shepherd God's people effectively. As we seek to build up the body of Christ, let us prioritize the anointing and calling of God above all else, recognizing that it is His power and presence that truly make the difference in ministry.
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. I live by 1 Corinthians 9:16, and Ephesians 3:7-8. In my retirement, I focus on studying and sharing the teachings of God’s Word with others. Besides writing this Blog, I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email Dean: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com