Many times we see men go into Bible College because they are called into ministry. Smart men, men that might even go from one career path into ministry. Bible College, and seminary is expensive. Bible College and seminary is hard academic work even if you are not studying quantum physics or scientific proof of evolution. But what is the purpose of going to Bible College? To get a job in ministry? To become a church planter? To be a pastor, church secretary or go onto seminary?
I posted a couple weeks ago a video with Glenn Beck speaking at Liberty University, which in my opinion, is one of the most dangerous places to attend college at this point, if the administration at Liberty can not discern the dangerous theology that mormon Glen Beck speaks into their graduates. I guess if you have your own tv show, publish best selling books that makes someone viable as a keynote speaker at Liberty’s graduation.
There is a greater conversation on blogs, books and such about vital issues both the church and culture encounter. I fear that while viable conversations about these can be valuable, the "heart" change behind the believer seems to be completely ignored.
For me, the last 5 years at EBC has been an soul searching of my identity and my purpose, my future. What do I want to do with my degree in Biblical Studies I am often asked. Fellow soccer moms have asked, “Do you want to be ordained?” and while that is appealing to me for a nanna second I laugh and say no. I don’t want the job of an ordained minister for all the tea in china frankly. Besides, the uniform isn’t that flattering or fashionable for this fashion victim. However, the question for me more recently has been, “Why go to Bible College if the larger church doesn’t value women in leadership or ministry?” I don’t think every woman is simply given the gift of administration or to be the secretary or librarian of a big church. Especially not this woman with the gift of adhd! I am what they call a “continuist” in that spiritual gifts are given by God, not as personality traits but “supernatural” gifts for the ministry in the church.
Valuing women’s spiritual gifts in the church by intentionally empowering women through discipleship is something I’m growing to see as a vital ministry that is sadly lacking in the overall church atmosphere. I'm not talking about reading a book together. I'm talking about taking a rough diamond and empowering the new generation of Beth Moore's, Kay Aurthur's and Pricilla Shriers. The women are out there. They have spiritual gifts to write, preach, teach...but they are not empowered effectively.
So what would be the benefit for women to pursue a Biblical degree or education? We see how dangerous women can be when they know scripture and have an education with the crisis of the Nigerian girls, most of whom are Christians. While I do think this should be a question every Bible College asks itself in it’s purpose I see the testimony of Jahill Richards crucial to the final result, which is to equip people (men and women) for THE ministry of the gospel, and empower them to speak the gospel in whatever means necessary. Weather it’s to preach as a pastor, or equip women’s ministry leaders the crucial heart and core value behind Eternity Bible College is genuine.
In listening to Jahill’s testimony you can hear the father redemptively transforming his past and confirms why I’m blessed and privileged not to study in the elite world of academia but to study God’s word with people like Jahill. He, like myself are being equipped for our future ministries that God has already laid out for us. Part of that equipping is the transformation the heart and frankly, no one should be in Biblical ministry if they haven’t experienced it. It’s not about getting a job or becoming the greatest of leaders. When listening to Jahill, imagine someone him being critiqued for not being an effectual leader or devalue him because he hasn’t defended a thesis among the most elite Biblical scholars. He probably won’t write a bestselling book like Francis Chan or be an well known pastor like John Piper, however when you listen to his testimony you know.....THIS is what it’s all about.
I’m putting this on my blog because I am making a financial appeal to anyone who wishes to see people like Jahill equipped for gospel driven ministry, not for jobs. People who otherwise would not be given the opportunity otherwise. If you invest in Eternity Bible College, or desire to go to Bible school I can’t recommend Eternity Bible College enough. It’s an awesome experience, spiritually challenging and the most spiritually fulfilling process you could subject yourself to even if you are a mom of three boys and do most of your work in your pajamas drinking countless lattes while your kids sleep.
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