You're making an argument against BAD seminary education vs. GOOD "understudy work" (a re-framing of "home-schooling")
If you re-frame the point in that way you may have a point. But while BAD seminary education exists, BAD home-schooling also exists, and BAD "understudy work" also exists. So your statement is interesting but is really not a fair argument.
My point is that a seminary education at a GOOD seminary is preferable to homeschooling IN GENERAL. There will certainly be exceptions to the rule.
My perspective is that while there are many good Pastors without formal education, there are also some of these men of God who are unable to handle and explain deeper theological issues.
A church is not solely a vehicle for evangelism and instruction to the newly saved, but a place where the family of believers can mature as Christians. And a Pastor's depth on the theology of Christianity is very valuable.
That's why I say _IN GENERAL_ a seminary education is a vital part of a Pastor's background and GENERALLY preferable to homeschooling.
A church is not solely a vehicle for evangelism and instruction to the newly saved, but a place where the family of believers can mature as Christians. And a Pastor's depth on the theology of Christianity is very valuable.
That's why I say _IN GENERAL_ a seminary education is a vital part of a Pastor's background and GENERALLY preferable to homeschooling
My Friend,
On that we'll have to agree to disagree. I have had both kinds of Pastors. I have seen the evidence of both kinds of ministries beyond the one's I've personally experienced.
The difference is not seminary. The difference is how much they study the Word of God and how the Spirit of God is at work in their lives. It's not about the mind, it's about the Spirit of God.
I don't really care what a person's education background is. If he or she is teaching, I want to know that they are solid in the Word of God and are following him.
I don't really care about explanations of deeper theological issues. Most of them have little bearing on a believer's every day life. But if it is something they need, God wants the believer to go to his word, to seek him out. God is quite capable of speaking truth to that individual.
It happens in my life on a regular basis. My faith says when I open God's word, when I meditate on it, when I ask him questions- he'll show me.
Regardless of our difference of opinions though, I respect yours and I know that many in the Church do find comfort in having someone who has a seminary education. If that's important to them, then I pray the Lord blesses them with a pastor with a great seminary educationa and a great heart for God.
Be Blessed in the name of Jesus
Yours in Christ,
John