The General Assembly of the Church of God recently approved a measure to promote lifelong learning among our ministers. As a lifelong learner I would like to offer some friendly advice.
You’re never too old to learn something new. My dad used to say, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” With respect to my dad; yes, you can teach an old dog (or preacher) new things. My lifelong learning began when I entered Bible College in 1978. It took me 14 years to earn the BS. I quit college to begin pastoral ministry. During the first years of ministry I was an inconsistent student. It’s tough to work full time, pastor bi-vocationally, rear children and go to school. But I did it. I was 35 years old when I graduated from university; 44 years old when I earned the M Div; and 55 years old when I earned the D Min. That’s my lifelong journey.
Build on a firm foundation. Every minister of the gospel needs foundational instruction and skills. A working knowledge of the Bible, familiarity with church history, theology, and pastoral leadership skills are essential to ministry on any level.
Customize your lifelong learning goals to equip your specific call to ministry. Everyone doesn’t need a degree, but everyone needs training that is specific to their vocation. An electrician doesn’t need an engineering degree, but her training must meet local and state building codes. A nurse doesn’t need to be an MD, but he most certainly needs medical training. Pastoral ministry in a local congregation may not require a Master’s degree, but it certainly requires ongoing ministerial enrichment and development. But, if your ministerial call is to serve as a chaplain, or educator, then you must earn the appropriate degrees.
Develop good study disciplines. The call to preach is essentially the call to study. Study is hard work. It requires time and great effort. The lifelong learner must establish a place and time of study. As a rule, I dedicate three hours daily to study, usually in the early morning hours. If you don’t discipline your time, you will not succeed in lifelong learning. I’ve known many ministers who started this journey, only to fall by the wayside because of their lack of discipline.
Build a small library of essential resources. Anyone who knows me knows that I strongly dislike study bibles. Study bibles tend to make us lazy and limited learners. You need a good bible dictionary (or encyclopedia), a good expository dictionary (for Greek and Hebrew), and good Old Testament and New Testament introductions. Also, a good systematic theology is invaluable. I have a library of hundreds of books, but I use less than twenty on a regular basis.
Engage in meaningful dialogue. I did some of my college work as a distance independent scholar. I teach graduate courses online. But, I’m not a fan of independent learning. First, following the counsel of Peter, we must understand that no Scripture is a matter of private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20). We must study in community (Acts 15). That means reading the words of ancient and contemporary theologians. It also means the willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with those who challenge our thinking. An ancient sage wrote, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). The best learning environment must engage your faith and challenge your thinking.
Finally, find a pastor/teacher who will be your mentor. He/she can recommend books and resources, field your questions, and give you assignments that enhance the learning experience. The wise man declared, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 1:8). A spiritual father or mother will guide your journey.
