4 thoughts on “Is It Important To You That a Sermon Contain One Major Theme or Idea?”
Hello,I am not a pastor but I am wondering why would anyone need to study hermeneutics? Is it not sufficient to just read the Scriptures and trust the Holy Spirit to help us interpret it?Eric L.
Good morning, Eric. No, it is not sufficient for a pastor to teach without being taught by other teachers. I'm fascinated by the thinking of some that the pastor who is "self-taught" or Spirit-taught is more spiritual than one who allows Spirit-gifted teachers to teach him. Actually, it is slighting the Spirit's work to not utilize Spirit-gifted and -given teachers. The Bible was never designed by God to be studied alone. From the beginning of the Church, God designed teachers to be taught before they taught others (cf. 2 Timothy 2:2 as a primary example). Studying how to study the Bible (hermeneutics) appears to be following the biblical model. Thank you for your question; hope it helps some.
Found your blog via a friend. Would you say that all pastors should attend seminary? I have been struggling with the idea of going or trying to teach myself through the resources found on the web and books by the men who teach at seminary.
No, all pastors should not attend seminary. When God opens the door, though (including desire, aptitude, finances, family situation, etc.), one should consider as much training as possible. In many countries this wouldn't even be a question, but in the US it is. Although there are exceptions, most pastors without a certain level of formal training will face some difficulties getting placed in ministry. However, there a tons of churches who need spiritually qualified pastors who are gifted to shepherd. Thank you for asking. Enjoy a blessed Christmas.
Hello,I am not a pastor but I am wondering why would anyone need to study hermeneutics? Is it not sufficient to just read the Scriptures and trust the Holy Spirit to help us interpret it?Eric L.
Good morning, Eric. No, it is not sufficient for a pastor to teach without being taught by other teachers. I'm fascinated by the thinking of some that the pastor who is "self-taught" or Spirit-taught is more spiritual than one who allows Spirit-gifted teachers to teach him. Actually, it is slighting the Spirit's work to not utilize Spirit-gifted and -given teachers. The Bible was never designed by God to be studied alone. From the beginning of the Church, God designed teachers to be taught before they taught others (cf. 2 Timothy 2:2 as a primary example). Studying how to study the Bible (hermeneutics) appears to be following the biblical model. Thank you for your question; hope it helps some.
Found your blog via a friend. Would you say that all pastors should attend seminary? I have been struggling with the idea of going or trying to teach myself through the resources found on the web and books by the men who teach at seminary.
No, all pastors should not attend seminary. When God opens the door, though (including desire, aptitude, finances, family situation, etc.), one should consider as much training as possible. In many countries this wouldn't even be a question, but in the US it is. Although there are exceptions, most pastors without a certain level of formal training will face some difficulties getting placed in ministry. However, there a tons of churches who need spiritually qualified pastors who are gifted to shepherd. Thank you for asking. Enjoy a blessed Christmas.