Do You Need Formal Training to Be a Minister?
by Kim LintonPosted in Church Planting 6 Comments
Many people think you must have years of college before you can start a new ministry or church. It’s not necessary to have formal training before you start a ministry, but most seasoned ministers recommend that you pursue some type of biblical training as soon as possible. The more you learn the better equipped you will be.
You can take classes by correspondence from many fine universities if you can’t attend as a full-time student. Formal training will increase your confidence in yourself, as well as others confidence in you.
The best way to learn about your area of ministry is to find someone who will become a "father in the faith" and mentor you. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Acts 16:1 & 2 and Philippians 2:19 & 22, Paul mentored Timothy. Timothy served Paul faithfully by helping him grow his ministry.
If you are faithful in what is another man’s God may see fit to give you your own (Luke 16:12). Pray for guidance as to whether you should go ahead and start your ministry, or if you should seek formal training first.
It’s also very important to have someone who can provide a spiritual covering for you. You do not have to be part of a denomination, or have someone controlling your ministry, but you do need to have a fellowship or pastor that will hold you accountable and be there for you if you need help.
Don’t try to be a lone ranger. We’re all stronger if we have some type of spiritual support and fellowship. If you need a spiritual covering, or would like more information about where to obtain training, send us an email and we will get back with you as soon as possible.
About Kim Linton
Kim Linton began her writing career in 2001 as a contributor for Ministrymaker Magazine. Kim's work has since been published on a variety of websites including Woman's Day and Intel, and featured on several news sites including USA Today, Yahoo! News and The Wall Street Journal.6 responses to “Do You Need Formal Training to Be a Minister?”
I writing from the Christian Outreach Justice Mission Sierra Leone which is dedicated to the advancement of the great commission and sensitive to respondding to the practical needs of the people and the communities we serve. I am so pleased and bleased to have visited your site. It is touching and most importantly inspiring. From today, i would like to stay connected to your ministry through this contact and partnership between me and you in networking for the kingdom ministry. Even so through my spiritual father, Rev. Garry Linton.
Thank you for the great labour in His vine yard. Looking forward to your response.
In His blessings,
Pastor Peter K.B.Alfred
Founder & Executive Director
I HAVE STARTED A NEW WORK WITH THE LORD HERE IN ITALY MY REQUEST IS COULD YOU FIND WAYS AND MEANS TO ASSIST MY MINISTRIES WITH TRAINING TOOLS AND ADVANCE LEADERSHIP TRAINING…………..GOD BLESS YOU
I would like to have a spiritual coverage or training. becausand I’m thinking and praying and seeking God ‘s will to start a prayer meeting.
I WANT TO HAVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR TRAINING CENTER. HOW TO BE MEMBER AND HOW CAN I GET THE TEACHING FROM YOU. THE CONDITION OF FOREIGN STUDENT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
PASTOR SAMSON GOLO FROM TOGO.
I am the head of Evangelism and Mission Departement of a new christian organisation called ‘AFRIQUE IN MISSION’AEM. Our aim is to plant new churches, andwe are interdenominational.
this is pastor indra budha from south asia, nepal. we need to train some christ likeness leaders in your place, so would you help us to get information from you. thanks
yours in christ
pastor: indra