A Cross-roads Introduction: Learning to Do Ministry by the Book

During graduation at a local seminary, I experienced an anxiety all too common among graduates... the feeling of inadequacy prior to entering the ministry. I was told that this was normal; that the purpose of seminary was not to equip us fully, but simply provide tools for getting started.

So there I was, feeling less than adequate, with a burden to become a Christian Education Director in a local assembly. As such, I began wrestling with the whole Christian education concept:

• What was the biblical basis for Christian Education as done today? Was there one?
• Since Christian Education bears Christ's name, would it not be education as He would do it were He here Himself?
• Just how would Jesus do Christian Education? Or, would He have something better in mind?

These were--and still are--important questions for all of us called to ministry; for as the apostle bears witness that we are to be very careful how we build upon the foundation which he has laid, we will subsequently be called to give an account to the Lord Himself, with our works being tested, as it were, by fire. (1 Corinthians 3:10-13).

After careful consideration of these things, coupled with much prayer and seeking Christ's mind on the matter, He brought my attention to this passage: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness...that the man of God may be adequate, fully equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17). While I was familiar with this text, I had not previously been enlightened to its implications. As I worked through those implications, blueprints began emerging.

Those blueprints I will be sharing during upcoming weeks.