Whew, its been a while since I've updated this site. Finally I have a reliable internet connection and more time to write on this.
For all the college students out there, I figured I would write about the difference between Ministers and Professors. First of all, both professions and ministers require a considerable amount of higher education beyond the undergraduate degree. Secondly, both are considered to be teachers and need to have a certain amount of public speaking skills. As far as I'm concerned that's where the similarities end.
Professors, especially ones that have earned the title Doctor, are considered to be experts in their fields. Whether its Biology, Spanish, Engineering, all professors are supposed to have a decent amount of expertise in their chosen field. Now I'm not gonna argue that all professors are experts, because I myself have had some loonies that should not be teaching a class at all. I think the biggest point that I'm getting to is this: that most professors should have the authority to be teaching a class because they know so much about the subject. They've done their research, put in their time, and now they are looked upon as the experts.
Ministers on the other hand are by no means experts in their field, because of one reason. That reason is wrapped in the issue of authority. Ministers receive their authority from God and God alone and God calls ministers into the ministry. Yes it is true that Ministers at least have a Masters of Divinity and some amount of experience, but this does not make them experts on God. The truth of the matter is this; there will be know expert on God except for God himself. For a minister to say that he is an expert on God is a very bold statement that I myself would not dare to make. God simply cannot be contained because it is impossible. God is just so much bigger than we are, and we as Christians discover more and more about him each day. He is constantly in motion and throwing curve balls our way; he's pretty unpredictable.
In conclusion, professors have the right to get behind a podium and tell us all about their subject because they are the experts. However, ministers don't have that right, they have a priviledge that God gives them. God gives them the gift of being his servants and help guide God's congregations in their walk. Ministers don't have the right to get in the pulpit and be the shepherd; they just have the joy of being a fellow sheep and are called to show other sheep how to find the shepherd.
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2 comments:
A minister should be mature enough in his or her faith to be somewhat of an expert on his or her relationship with God and be able to shepherd or pastor others toward spiritual maturity.
Jesus said to Peter, the first called Pastor, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you."
"Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.
16Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you."
"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
17Once more he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know I love you."
Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.
Jesus was passing the shepherd baton to his undershepherd Peter.
That is the calling of Pastors. Everyone who is a Christ-follower is a minister as you said in your next post.
Keep up the great posts Jillian.
Thanks so much for posting. I agree with you that ministers have to be mature enough in their faith in order to lead God's church. As long as they realize the awesome priviledge of their job.
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