Are we seminary students any different from the rest of the congregation? In a local church should those who attend seminary be expected to do more? Should we be considered the "cream of the crop"? Should it be assumed that we should teach and lead simply because we're in seminary? What is our role in the local church? Are we any differnt?
An issue came up at church today, and those questions have been racing through my mind. We are being trained and equipped formally in preparation for ministry. We are in seminary because we have the desire to serve perhaps in a fuller capacity, and we possess a level of maturity that our churches have deemed suitable for ministry (hopefully). We may obtain more knowledge on various subjects, such as church history, biblical languages, etc. We are different in that aspect. However, I personally don't think that we should be treated any differently from any other member in the congregation. Certainly we should not be perceived as the "cream of the crop" (someone at church actually referred to us by that). Yes, we are getting theological education in a more intensive and formal setting. But systematic theology and church history are not exclusive subjects to those in seminary. Pastors and teachers should be teaching doctrinally sound theology from the pulpit and in Sunday school classes. Congregations should be fed with biblical theology whether they're seminary students or housewives. Members of the local church can certainly benefit and grow in faith through learning of the lives of early church fathers and the Reformers. It's tempting for us seminarians to think that we're above others, or even that we've arrived. Being worshipped (that may be too strong of a word) or paid special attention and reverence by fellow church members certainly does not help us cultivating humility.
Every church member should be encouraged to be involved in some capacity of ministry, public or behind the scene. Serving is doing something when there is a need. It was suggested that if we have any desire for a particular area of ministry, we would be encouraged to inform the leadership and just do it. I agree that if we see a need in the local church we work with the leadership to meet that need. I would be against it if we start a new ministry to meet our own needs, our need to practice for future ministry, our need for a class credit, our desire for a particular ministry whether or not it's appropriate or needed at this church, or our need to show off our education. Of course no one is going to admit that's their intention in doing ministry. But let's be honest in examining our intentions. Doing ministry should always be for God's glory and for the benefit of the church; it should never be for our own glory and our selfish gain, whether you're a seminarian or CEO.
Also we shouldn't assume that every seminary student is fit to teach and be in leadership position. We may have the head knowledge, but many of us, in fact, a growing number of seminary students are fresh out of college without much life experiences (I'm including myself in this category). We are all in different places in life, maturity level varies greatly from one person to the next. The title of a seminary student does not warrant wisdom and maturity, sadly.
On the other hand, I know someone, a fellow seminarian, whose personal conviction is that he's in a season to learn and to grow. Therefore, instead of seizing an opportunity to serve even when the need is rather urgent, he is going to pass and focus on learning and receiving. I may sound a little bitter. But I simply cannot wrap my mind around this argument. You just can't segregate your life like that. You're always called to serve; you're always a part of the body of Christ, whether you're in school or retired. What do you have that you have not received? We as seminary students have this great privilege to receive formal theological training. I believe we are receiving more. Why hold on to it instead of sharing with brothers and sisters while you can?
It's tricky I find. While I don't think we should assume leadership and teaching position simply because we are in seminary, and while I dont' think we deserve any special attention and treatment, we do need to be mindful of the blessings from God through our seminary education. Share the blessings wisely and generously with brothers and sisters.
I may have been rambling on. I may have been ranting a little. I apologize to my fellow seminarians. Please know I didn't mean any disrespect. Any input will be welcomed, and feel free to correct me.
